What are the symptoms of urologic cancers?
Most of the time, symptoms don’t occur until the cancer has become more advanced. Then, they depend on the type of cancer. Blood in the urine (without pain) is a symptom of bladder, kidney and prostate cancer—at later stages, pelvic and back pain can also develop. Patients with prostate cancer may also have other changes in urination and sexual function. Those with testicular or penile cancer may notice a visible lesion on the skin, along with other skin changes or swelling. Any cancer patient can experience weight loss and fatigue.
More often, these cancers are detected during a routine physical exam of the abdomen or genitals.
How are urologic cancers diagnosed?
Once doctors have reason to suspect a urologic cancer, they may perform some of the following tests:
- Cystoscopy or ureteroscopy, using a tool with a tiny light or camera to check the ureter (the tube that carries urine), bladder and kidney for tumors.
- Lab tests to look for changes in the blood that could be signs of cancer.
- Imaging studies (MRI, X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan or angiogram) to check for abnormal tissue anywhere along the urinary tract.
- Biopsy to obtain a sample of abnormal tissue and analyze it for cancer cells.
How are urologic cancers treated?
Treatment for urologic cancer depends on several factors, such as the tumor’s grade and stage (indicating how advanced the cancer has become) and the patient’s preference. Common options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Patients can also receive immunotherapy, which boosts the immune system to fight disease.
If a significant portion of the bladder is removed, the surgeon may create a stoma (opening in the skin) as a new route to drain urine. Removal of one of the two kidneys doesn’t disrupt urologic function.
Since prostate cancer often occurs in older men, doctors may recommend a “watchful waiting” strategy (called active surveillance), in which they regularly monitor the patient and provide treatment only if the cancer progresses. This strategy helps to preserve quality of life.
For testicular and penile cancer, there’s an emphasis on maintaining organ function, but sexual dysfunction can result from treatment. After the tumor has been removed, the option to rebuild the organ (reconstruction surgery) is usually available.