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What is Uro-Oncology?

Uro-oncology is a medical subspecialty focused on diagnosing and treating cancers of the urinary system and male reproductive organs. It includes cancers of the prostate, bladder, kidneys, testicles, and adrenal glands. Specialists use surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy for treatment. Advanced techniques like robotic surgery and targeted therapies are often employed. Uro-oncology requires a multidisciplinary approach involving urologists, oncologists, and radiologists. Early detection and personalized treatment plans improve patient outcomes.

Types of Urological Cancers

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the prostate gland. It often grows slowly but can be aggressive in some cases. Symptoms may include difficulty urinating and pelvic pain. Early detection through screening improves treatment outcomes.

•  Difficulty urinating

Weak urine flow

• Pelvic pain

• Erectile dysfunction

Age: Risk increases after 50

  • Family History: Higher risk if a close relative had prostate cancer

  • Genetic Mutations: BRCA1/2 and other gene changes can increase risk

  • Diet: High-fat diets, especially from red meat, may contribute

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer begins in the bladder lining and is more common in older adults. Symptoms include blood in urine, frequent urination, and pelvic pain. Smoking and chemical exposure increase the risk. Early detection improves treatment success.

•  Blood in urine (pink, red, or dark-colored)

•  Frequent or painful urination

•  Urgency to urinate with little output

•  Pelvic or lower back pain (in advanced stages)

  • Smoking: The leading cause, as harmful chemicals pass through the urine

  • Chemical Exposure: Workplace exposure to dyes, rubber, or indu
    strial chemicals

  • Chronic Bladder Infections: Long-term irritation increases risk

  • Radiation Therapy: Previous pelvic radiation can raise the risk

Kidney (Renal) Cancer

Kidney (renal) cancer begins in the kidneys and is more common in older adults. Symptoms may include blood in urine, lower back pain, and unexplained weight loss. Smoking and high blood pressure increase the risk. Early detection improves treatment success.

• Blood in urine (hematuria)

•  Persistent lower back or side pain

•  Unexplained weight loss and fatigue

•  Lump or mass in the abdomen

•  Fever without infection

 

Smoking: Increases risk by exposing kidneys to harmful chemicals

  • High Blood Pressure: Puts strain on kidney function over time

  • Obesity: Linked to hormonal changes that may promote cancer growth

  • Genetic Disorders: Conditions like Von Hippel-Lindau disease increase risk 

Penile Cancer

Penile cancer is a rare cancer that develops on the skin or inside the penis. Symptoms include lumps, sores, or abnormal discharge. Risk factors include HPV infection, poor hygiene, and smoking. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes

•  A lump, sore, or growth on the penis (may not heal)

•  Thickening or changes in skin color

•  Foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin

•  Pain, bleeding, or swelling in the penis

•  Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin

  • HPV Infection: Increases the risk of developing penile cancer.
  •  
  • Smoking: Harms immune response and exposes cells to carcinogens
  • Poor Hygiene: Can lead to chronic inflammation and infections
  • Phimosis: Tight foreskin traps bacteria, increasing infection risk

Adrenal Cancer

Adrenal cancer is a rare disease that affects the adrenal glands, which produce hormones. Symptoms may include high blood pressure, weight gain, and hormonal imbalances. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic factors may play a role. Early detection improves treatment outcomes

•  Unexplained weight gain or loss

•  High blood pressure and irregular heartbeats

•  Excessive hair growth (especially in women)

•  Abdominal pain or a lump in the belly

•  Hormonal changes causing fatigue, weakness, or mood swings

Genetic Syndromes: Conditions like Li-Fraumeni and MEN1 increase risk

Family History:

    • A history of adrenal or related cancers may raise susceptibility
  •  

Uro-Oncology: Symptoms

Blood in urine

Difficulty urinating

Pelvic or back pain

 Swelling or lumps

Unexplained weight loss

 Changes in penile skin

Painful urination

Frequent urgency

Diagnosis of Urological Cancers

Evaluates symptoms, risk factors, and family history; includes Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) for prostate cancer and testicular examination

Includes urinalysis, urine cytology, blood tests (PSA for prostate cancer, tumor markers for testicular and kidney cancer), and kidney function tests

Uses ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, PET scan, and Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) to detect tumors and assess cancer spread

Confirms cancer through prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, fine needle aspiration (FNA), and Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT)

Identifies genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1/2) to guide personalized treatment strategies

Uro-Oncology Treatments

Surgery is one of the most effective and commonly used treatments for urological cancers, aiming to remove the tumor or the affected organ to prevent the spread of cancer. The type of surgery depends on the cancer type, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. With advancements in technology, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgeries have significantly improved precision, reduced complications, and enhanced recovery.

Radical Prostatectomy – Complete removal of the prostate gland, mainly for prostate cancer.

Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor (TURBT) – A procedure used for diagnosing and removing superficial bladder tumors.

Nephrectomy (Partial/Radical) – Removal of part or the entire kidney in cases of kidney cancer.

Orchiectomy – Removal of one or both testicles for testicular cancer treatment.

Cystectomy – Partial or total removal of the bladder, often followed by reconstructive surgery.

Penectomy – Partial or total removal of the penis in cases of penile cancer.

Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors using high-energy beams. It is commonly used in prostate and bladder cancers, either alone or in combination with surgery and other treatments.

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) – Delivers targeted radiation from outside the body.

Brachytherapy – Involves implanting radioactive seeds inside the prostate for localized treatment.

Chemotherapy is used to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, especially in bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers. It can be used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells, or for advanced-stage cancer.

Systemic Chemotherapy – Administered intravenously to target cancer throughout the body.

Intravesical Chemotherapy – Directly delivered into the bladder to treat non-invasive bladder cancer.

Immunotherapy enhances the body’s immune system to fight cancer and is particularly effective in bladder and kidney cancers.

Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab) – Block proteins that allow cancer to evade immune detection.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Therapy –  A form of immunotherapy for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Used mainly for prostate cancer, hormone therapy works by lowering testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.

LHRH Agonists (e.g., Leuprolide, Goserelin) – Reduce testosterone production.

Anti-Androgens – Block testosterone from reaching cancer cells.

Targeted therapy focuses on specific genetic mutations that promote cancer growth, commonly used in kidney and bladder cancers.

Sunitinib, Everolimus – Used in kidney cancer to block cancer growth pathways.

Erdafitinib – A targeted drug for advanced bladder cancer.

Robotic-assisted surgeries allow greater precision, fewer complications, and faster recovery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers.

Da Vinci Robotic System – Used for prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy with minimal incisions.

These non-invasive techniques are effective for early-stage prostate cancer and patients who are not candidates for major surgery.

Cryotherapy – Freezes and destroys cancer cells.

HIFU – Uses ultrasound waves to heat and kill prostate cancer cells.

Why Choose Ace Hospital

legacy of more than 40 years of experience in treating more than 1000 patients of various types of cancers of the urinary system. We boast of the most advanced technology to treat these complicated problems with 3D laparoscopy and robotics. We offer holistic care to manage these complex disorders.

Uro-Oncology Prevention

Preventing urological cancers involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings, and avoiding risk factors that contribute to cancer development. While some risk factors, such as genetics and age, cannot be controlled, making informed lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the chances of developing prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and penile cancers.

Healthy Diet & Lifestyle

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help lower cancer risk.Avoiding processed food,excessive red meat, and high-fat diets is crucial, especially for prostate and kidney cancer prevention.Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight reduces obesity-related risks, particularly in kidney and prostate cancers.

Hydration & Bladder Health

Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins from the body, reducing the risk of bladder and kidney cancers.Avoiding excessive alcohol and limiting caffeine intake can also support urinary tract health

Smoking & Alcohol Reduction

Smoking is a major risk factor for bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers, as harmful chemicals in tobacco accumulate in the urinary system.Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing these cancers. Limiting alcohol consumption is also beneficial, as excessive drinking can contribute to prostate cancer.

Occupational & Environmental Safety

Exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, and industrial toxins (such as dyes, paints, and pesticides) increases the risk of bladder and kidney cancer.Workers in industries dealing with these substances should take protective measures, including using safety gear and ensuring proper ventilation.

Safe Sexual Practices & HPV Prevention

Practicing safe sex and maintaining good genital hygiene can help prevent penile cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to penile cancer, so getting the HPV vaccine can offer protection.

Regular Screenings & Early Detection

Early detection is key to successfully treating urological cancers. Individuals at higher risk (such as those with a family history of prostate, kidney, or bladder cancer) should undergo regular check-ups. • Prostate Cancer – Men over 50 (or 40-45 with a family history) should get routine PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) tests and Digital Rectal Exams (DRE). • Bladder Cancer – Regular urine cytology tests and cystoscopies are recommended for high-risk individuals, especially smokers and those exposed to chemicals. • Kidney Cancer – Routine imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans can help detect early tumors, especially for those with a history of kidney disease. • Testicular Cancer – Monthly self-examinations can help detect lumps or changes in the testicles early.

Managing Chronic
Conditions

Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney disease can increase the risk of urological cancers. Proper management through medications, lifestyle changes, and regular medical follow-ups can help lower cancer risk.

Avoiding Unnecessary Medications & Supplements

Some painkillers and herbal supplements may have long-term effects on kidney health. It’s important to use medications responsibly and under medical guidance to prevent damage to the kidneys and bladder. By making healthy lifestyle choices, avoiding risk factors, and prioritizing regular screenings, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing urological cancers. Prevention plays a crucial role in reducing cancer incidence and improving overall urological health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Uro-oncology is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating cancers of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.

It includes prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular, and penile cancers.

Symptoms include blood in urine, difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, lumps, and unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis involves tests like urine analysis, blood tests, imaging (CT, MRI), and biopsies.

Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Risk can be reduced by quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and regular screenings for early detection.

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