Uro-oncology, or urological oncology, is a medical specialty that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers that affect the urinary system and male reproductive organs. The urinary system comprises the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The male reproductive system comprises the prostate, testicles, and penis. Early detection and management are important for improving outcomes in urological cancers.
Some of the common urological complaints include:
Pain while passing urine, also known as dysuria, can be caused by various underlying conditions. Some common causes of pain while passing urine include urinary tract infections, prostatitis, sexually transmitted infections, kidney stones, urethritis, and interstitial cystitis.
Hematuria (blood in the urine) and abnormal discharges may indicate various underlying conditions, ranging from infections to more serious medical issues, such as bladder or kidney cancer.
Prostate cancer forms when the cells in the prostate gland start dividing abnormally and form a tumour.
Low back pain can be associated with urinary tract diseases, especially when the kidneys or other parts of the urinary system are affected.
Male infertility refers to a man's inability to impregnate a fertile female. It can result from various factors that affect sperm production, sperm function, or sperm delivery.
It is a common condition that affects the ability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. It can have physical, psychological, or a combination of both causes.
Swelling in the testis or penis may have various causes, and some of these include infection, inflammation, injury, hernia, varicocele, hydrocele, and cysts or tumors.
Following are the types of urological cancers:
Adrenal cancer is a cancer that originates in the adrenal glands. Symptoms include abdominal pain, weight loss, and hormonal imbalances. Early detection of the disease is challenging.
Bladder cancer refers to cancer growth in the bladder lining. Common symptoms include blood in the urine, pelvic pain, and frequent urination. Early diagnosis of bladder cancer and treatment improve outcomes.
It is a cancer of the prostate gland. Early stages often show no symptoms. Risk factors include age and family history. Prostate tumor treatment includes prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
It is a cancer that develops in the testicles. It typically affects young men. Patients may have painless lumps or swelling. Early detection is vital. The disease has a high cure rate when diagnosed early.
Urethral cancer is a rare and aggressive malignancy occurring in the urethra, the tube carrying urine from the bladder. Symptoms include blood in the urine, painful urination, and discharge.
Penile cancer is a rare but serious malignancy affecting the penis. Risk factors include age, HPV infection, and poor hygiene. Symptoms may include lumps, sores, or changes in skin color.
Urological cancers are effectively managed when diagnosed at an early stage. Doctors recommend various tests for the diagnosis of urological cancers. Once the diagnosis is confirmed and the staging is done, doctors chart a personalized care plan, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other systemic therapies.
A urological cancer diagnosis begins with a comprehensive physical exam and assessment of medical history. Other diagnostic tests may be suggested if the healthcare professional suspects the presence of urological cancer or other underlying diseases.
Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy are vital procedures for diagnosing urological cancers. Cystoscopy examines the bladder, while ureteroscopy assesses the ureters and kidneys with a scope, assisting in diagnosing upper urinary tract cancers.
Laboratory tests have an important role in diagnosing and monitoring urological cancers. Common tests include urinalysis, urinary cytology, prostate-specific antigen, renal function, and tumor marker tests.
Imaging assists in diagnosing and staging urological cancers. CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasound scans provide detailed images of the bladder, prostate, and kidneys. PET scans help detect metastases in urological cancers.
Biopsies are recommended for the conclusive diagnosis of urological cancers. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the affected area—the prostate, bladder, or kidney—for microscopic examination.
Some of the treatment options for urological cancers include:
Urologic oncology surgery is a primary treatment for urological cancers and involves removing the tumors and affected tissues. Procedures like prostatectomy, cystectomy, or nephrectomy aim to treat or control cancer and improve patient outcomes. Some of the most common surgical interventions for urological cancers are:
Wide local excision is a surgical approach in urological cancer, removing tumors with surrounding margins of healthy tissue. It is usually recommended for penile and testicular cancers. It involves the removal of tumors with clear margins, thereby minimizing the risk of recurrence.
It is a surgical procedure to remove the adrenal gland and is generally performed for urological cancers involving the adrenal glands. The surgery eliminates the tumor and prevents its spread.
It is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney and is commonly used for kidney cancers like renal cell carcinoma. It may involve partial or complete kidney removal.
It involves surgical removal of the prostate gland for various conditions, including prostate cancer treatment. This urology prostate surgery may be performed using radical or robotic-assisted approaches.
A penectomy refers to the surgical removal of all or part of the penis, usually performed in cases of advanced penile cancer. It poses challenges to the patient's psychological and sexual well-being.
It is the surgical removal of one or both testicles, commonly performed for testicular cancer. Additional treatments generally follow the surgery and enhance overall outcomes.
Cystectomy involves the surgical removal of the bladder to treat various bladder conditions, including advanced bladder cancer. This procedure may also involve the creation of a urinary diversion. Appropriate postoperative care is required after a cystectomy.
Urethrectomy is the surgical removal of the urethra, typically performed to manage advanced urological cancers. The surgery also involves reconstructive techniques to restore urinary function.
Lymph node removal, also known as lymphadenectomy, is a surgical procedure performed to assess and manage the spread of cancer. It involves removing regional lymph nodes to evaluate their involvement.
Radiation therapy is a treatment modality for various urological cancers, such as bladder, prostate, and kidney cancers. It employs targeted radiation to destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Precise delivery helps spare the surrounding healthy tissue. The therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to improve outcomes.
Systemic therapy uses anti-cancer drugs that circulate throughout the body to target cancer cells. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies are common systemic approaches. These treatments manage both primary and metastatic tumors and improve patient outcomes.
Watchful waiting or active surveillance is a management approach for certain urological cancers, such as prostate cancer. Instead of immediate treatment, the uro-oncologists closely monitor the patients with regular checkups, scans, and symptomatic assessments to evaluate the cancer progression. The oncologists initiate the treatment if the cancer shows signs of growth or becomes symptomatic. Watchful waiting may help prevent unnecessary interventions and potential side effects in some cases.
Certain tips may assist the patients and their relatives find the best uro-oncologist in India.
Selecting a doctor with experience in urologic oncology is crucial for comprehensive and specialized care. Look for a specialist with expertise, advanced training, and a focus on urological malignancies to ensure favorable outcomes.
Conversing with the doctor or their staff about the number of patients treated with urological cancer is important. Inquire about their experience, expertise, and outcomes related to urological cancer management.
Understanding the urological cancer team in detail is crucial for comprehensive care. Inquire about the composition of the team, including urologists, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists.
When seeking care for urological cancer, inquire about the facilities and special services offered at the clinic or hospital. Ask about advanced diagnostic capabilities and specialized urologic oncology services.
One may contact the specialist's office directly to schedule an appointment with a urological cancer expert or visit the hospital website to fill out the registration form and book an appointment.
The uro-oncology departments at our centers are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities, which help our uro-oncologists devise customized care plans for their patients.
HCG Cancer Centre, a comprehensive cancer institute in Bangalore, provides access to a wide range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of uro-oncology patients. Our uro-oncologists prioritize delivering patient-centric care.
The uro-oncology department at HCG Cancer Centre, a top cancer institute in Ahmedabad, focuses on delivering patient-centric and personalized care to patients diagnosed with different types of urological cancers.
As a dedicated, comprehensive oncology center in Mumbai, HCG Cancer Centre boasts a full-fledged uro-oncology department with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities and a solid team of experienced uro-oncologists support.
HCG EKO Cancer Centre, a well-known hospital for cancer treatment in Kolkata, houses a meticulously set-up uro-oncology department, wherein specialists use new-age treatment approaches to manage different types of urological cancers.
HCG is one of the most advanced centers in India for diagnosing and managing urological cancers. The expertise and specialization needed to treat urological cancers are available at the center, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other systemic therapies. The patients have comprehensive and patient-centric care. The urology cancer team at the center comprises medical oncologists, oncological surgeons, urology specialists, anesthetists, and para-medical staff. The center is well-equipped to handle complex cases related to urological cancers.