Urological cancer
It refers to cancers that affect the organs of the urinary system and the male reproductive system.
These cancers include those of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, testes, and other parts of the urinary tract.
Types of Urological Cancer
1.Kidney Cancer (Renal Cancer):
- Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC): The most common type of kidney cancer, originating in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney.
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: Starts in the renal pelvis, the area where the kidney meets the ureter.
2.Bladder Cancer:
- Transitional Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, arising from the cells lining the bladder.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Linked to chronic irritation of the bladder (e.g., from infections or stones).
Adenocarcinoma: A rare type that starts in the glandular cells of the bladder.
3.Cervical Cancer:
- A common cancer in men that originates in the prostate gland, which produces seminal fluid.
4. Testicular Cancer:
- Germ Cell Tumors: The most common type, includes seminomas and non-seminomas.
- Stromal Tumors: A less common type that starts in the supportive tissues of the testicles.
5. Penile Cancer:
A rare cancer that occurs on the skin of the penis or within the penile tissues, most commonly as squamous cell carcinoma.
6. Ureteral and Urethral Cancer:
Ureteral Cancer: Cancer that develops in the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Urethral Cancer: A rare cancer affecting the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
Symptoms
- Blood in Urine (Hematuria): A common symptom of kidney, bladder, and ureteral cancers.
- Pain or Discomfort: In the lower back, abdomen, or pelvic area.
- Changes in Urination: Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or painful urination.
- Lumps or Swelling: In the testicles or on the penis.
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Fatigue
- Bone Pain: In advanced cases of prostate cancer.
Diagnosis
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, MRIs, PET Scans.
- Cystoscopy & Biopsy : For bladder cancer, a scope is used to look inside the bladder.
- Blood Tests: To check for tumor markers or abnormal kidney function.
- Urine Tests: To detect blood, cancer cells, or infection.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type, location, and stage of the cancer, and may include:
Surgery Remains The Mainstay of Treatment for most of Urological Cancer.
- Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy(LRH): Removal of the uterus, often performed for uterine and cervical cancers.
- Laparoscopic Bilateral Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries, often performed in cases of ovarian cancer.
- Radical High Inguinal Orchiectomy: Removal of one or both testicles for testicular cancer.
- Partial or Total Penectomy: Removal of part or all of the penis for penile cancer.
Endoscopic Inguinal Block Dissection for lymph Node.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Systemic or localized drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell growth mechanisms.
- Hormone Therapy: For prostate cancer, reducing levels of male hormones that can fuel cancer growth.