Uro-Oncology
Uro-oncology is a specialized branch of urology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the urinary tract system in both men and women, as well as tumors of the male reproductive system. It includes tumors of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra, prostate, and male reproductive organs (penis, testicles, and seminal vesicles). Urological cancers are among the most common malignancies globally.
Conditions treated:
The kidneys are a matched pair of vital organs, located underneath the liver and stomach and near the backbone on either side. As the blood flows through the kidneys, urea, salt, and other substances are filtered from the blood. In this way, they help remove wastes from the body by making urine. The kidneys also serve as glands that manufacture and secrete a variety of hormones.
When cell division is not orderly, abnormal growth takes place. Masses of tissue called tumours build up. They may be benign or malignant. Benign tumours remain localized and usually do not spread or threaten one’s life. While malignant tumours are cancerous, they can invade and destroy nearby tissues and organs or spread to other parts of the body by way of the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
Kidney Cancer is cancer occurring in the kidneys due to (a) a malignant tumour(s).
The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the urinary bladder. Its main function is to produce fluid for semen, which transports sperm.
Prostate Cancer is a malignant tumour that begins most often in the outer part of the prostate. It may spread to the inner part of the prostate, and beyond the prostate, to other parts of the body. Prostate Cancer is the seventh most common cancer in Singaporean men. Most men who get prostate Cancer are 50 years of age or older and the risk increases with age. It is usually curable when detected early, but can kill if diagnosed late or not treated effectively.
The urinary bladder is part of the urinary tract that transports and stores urine. Urine is the liquid produced by the kidneys as they remove waste and water from the blood. Urine travels from each kidney down a narrow tube, the ureter and is stored in a balloon-like structure – the urinary bladder.
The inside or lining of the urinary bladder is composed of a layer of
cells that protect the tissues beneath them from contact with urine.
Occasionally, these cells start to multiply uncontrollably and form
a growth or a tumor. When found and treated in the early stages,
cancerous bladder tumors are not likely to be life-threatening. In
addition, the treatment of most of these tumours does not require
the removal of the urinary bladder. Prompt medical attention and
regular checkups are necessary to treat bladder tumours and to
monitor for new growths.
Bladder Cancer is unusual in people
under 40 years of age. Men are affected 5 times more often than
women and cigarette smokers have an increased risk of developing Bladder
Cancer. Exposure to certain chemicals in the workplace has
also been associated with an increased risk of developing Bladder
Cancer.
Treatment Options for Urological Cancers:
The course of treatment for urological cancers depends on several factors, including the affected organ, the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Here's an overview of common treatment approaches:
- Surgery: This remains the mainstay of treatment for many urological cancers, involving the removal of cancerous tissue. Minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy, and robotic surgery are increasingly preferred for their reduced side effects and quicker recovery times.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells, often used in combination with surgery or for localized tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are administered to kill cancer cells throughout the body, typically employed for advanced or metastatic cancers.
- Immunotherapy : This emerging treatment harnesses the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, holding promise for personalized cancer therapy.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Urological Cancers:
While the exact causes of urological cancers remain unknown, certain factors increase the risk of developing these malignancies. Identifying and addressing these risk factors can play a crucial role in prevention.
- Smoking: A major risk factor for bladder and kidney cancer, quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk.
- Family history: Having a family member with urological cancer increases your susceptibility.
- Chronic urinary tract infections: Recurrent UTIs can irritate and damage the bladder lining, raising the risk of bladder cancer.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Occupational exposure to industrial chemicals like vinyl chloride can increase the risk of kidney cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, junk food diets, and prolonged physical inactivity are linked to an increased risk of certain urological cancers.
Staging and Grading:
Staging and grading are crucial aspects of cancer diagnosis, providing valuable information about the extent and aggressiveness of the disease.
- Staging: The cancer stage is categorized based on its size, spread to lymph nodes, and involvement of other organs.
- Grading : The grading determines the cancer's aggressiveness based on its appearance under a microscope, indicating how quickly it's likely to grow and spread.
Early detection is key to successful uro-oncological treatment. If you experience any concerning symptoms, such as blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, or persistent pain in the lower abdomen, it is recommended that you visit a specialty hospital with kidney cancer treatment services. It is easy and simple to request an appointment to consult the below-listed uro-oncology specialist doctors who are available in Bangalore and other branches.