Uro Oncology

Each year, thousands of individuals are diagnosed with urino-genital cancers—cancers that affect the urinary and reproductive organs in both men and women. These cancers include malignancies of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, prostate, testicles, penis in men and kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra in females. Although these diagnoses can be distressing, early detection and advancements in personalized treatment have significantly improved survival rates and long-term outcomes.

At the Cancer Clinic, we offer a multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach—emphasizing early diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatments, and long-term wellness support.

Types of Urino-Genital Cancers:

1. Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma)

The most common type of kidney cancer, originating in the lining of the small tubes in the kidney. The most prevalent type, accounting for about 90% of kidney cancers. It begins in the renal tubules, which are part of the kidney’s filtration system.

Symptoms and Features:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Lower back pain on one side
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
  • Lump or mass in the flank of abdomen

In Kidney Cancer, uncommon types include metastatic, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoma.

Metastatic Kidney Cancer: This type indicates that cancer has spread from its original location in the kidney to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, or brain. It typically occurs in advanced stages of the disease.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Kidney: This is a rare form of kidney cancer that starts in the squamous cells lining the renal pelvis, which is the part of the kidney where urine collects before it moves to the bladder. It is different from the more common types like renal cell carcinoma, which starts in the lining of the kidney tubules.
Sarcoma of the Kidney: Sarcomas are cancers that develop from connective tissues, such as muscle, fat, or blood vessels. Sarcomas in the kidney are very rare and typically arise from the supportive tissues rather than from the renal parenchyma (functional tissue of the kidney.

Specialized treatment approaches and careful management are necessary for these uncommon types of kidney cancer, which may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on their rarity and sometimes aggressive nature.

  • Bladder cancer begins in the bladder, a hollow organ in the pelvis responsible for storing urine. It typically develops in the urothelial cells lining the bladder’s inner surface and is more common among older adults, especially those with a history of smoking. Symptoms and Features:
    • Painful urination
    • Frequent urge to urinate
    • Blood in the urine
    • Pelvic pain or lower back discomfort
    In the context of bladder cancer, these are less common types or instances of the disease:
    1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder: This type of bladder cancer develops from the squamous cells lining the bladder. It is less common than urothelial carcinoma, which starts in the urothelial cells (transitional cells) lining the bladder.
    2. Sarcoma of the Bladder: Sarcomas in the bladder are rare and originate from the connective tissues, such as muscle, fat, or blood vessels, within the bladder walls.
    3. Extension from Adjacent Organs: Bladder cancer can occasionally extend from neighboring organs, such as the sigmoid colon (part of the large intestine), ovary, rectum, or uterine cervix. This happens when cancer cells from these organs invade into
    Specialized treatment approaches and careful management are necessary for these uncommon types of bladder cancer, which may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on their rarity and sometimes aggressive nature.the bladder tissue.
Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is a prevalent cancer in men, originating in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland producing seminal fluid. It typically develops slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland initially, making it highly curable when detected early. Symptoms and Features:
  • Difficulty urinating or interrupted flow
  • Increased frequency of urination at night
  • Blood in semen or urine
Pelvic discomfort or bone pain (in advanced stages)

Testicular cancer is a relatively rare form of cancer that develops in the testicles, the male reproductive glands located in the scrotum. It often affects younger men between the ages of 15 and 35 but has a high cure rate in certain pathologies like seminoma, especially when detected early.

Symptoms and Features:

  • Painless lump or swelling in the testicle
  • Heaviness in the scrotum
  • Supraclavicular Lymph node left or intra abdominal masses. 
  • Cryptorchidism is a predisposing factor

Dull ache in the groin or lower abdomen

Penile cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the penis. It typically begins in the skin or cells lining the penis and can affect various parts of the organ, including the glans (head), foreskin, or shaft. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes. 

Penile cancer is primarily linked to infection with high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV), poor genital hygiene, phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin), and smoking. Accumulated smegma and chronic inflammation increase cancer risk, especially in uncircumcised men. Other contributing factors include multiple sexual partners and conditions like Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO). Early circumcision, HPV vaccination, and good hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk.

Symptoms and Features:

  • Growth or sore on the penis that does not heal
  • Discharge or foul smell under the foreskin
  • Changes in skin color or thickness
Diagnostic Methods


Early and accurate diagnosis is vital to improving treatment outcomes. Our center utilizes modern diagnostic tools:

  • Pelvic and Abdominal Examination: To assess for visible or palpable masses.
  • Ultrasound and Transrectal ultrasound: For kidney ureter and bladder, transrectal for prostate.
  • CT/MRI Scans/ PET Scan: To evaluate tumor size, organ involvement, and metastasis.
  • Cystoscopy/Ureteroscopy: Direct visualization of the urinary tract for biopsy or removal of small tumors.
  • Tumor Markers (PSA): Aid in identifying and monitoring prostate cancers.
  • Biopsy: Definitive tissue sampling to confirm cancer type and grade.

Treatment Options and Procedures


Each treatment plan is customized based on the cancer type, stage, patient health, and preferences:

Surgical Interventions:
  • Radical or Partial Nephrectomy: Removal of kidney tumor with or without the entire kidney.
  • Cystectomy or TURBT (Transurethral Resection): Bladder cancer removal.
  • Radical cystectomy
  • Prostatectomy: Removal of the prostate gland for localized cancer.
  • Lymph Node Dissection: Performed where necessary to check for cancer spread.
  • Partial Penectomy / Total Penectomy for Penile cancers

 

  • Used for localized control or as palliative treatment in advanced stages.
  • Often used in bladder, and advanced prostate or testicular cancers and for organ preservation approaches for bladder cancers.

Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising treatment for various urino-genital cancers, including bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers. Immune checkpoint inhibitors like PD-1/PD-L1 blockers (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab) have shown effectiveness, particularly in advanced bladder and renal cell carcinomas. In prostate cancer, immunotherapy is still evolving, with Sipuleucel-T, a cancer vaccine, offering modest benefits in select patients. Ongoing research is exploring combination therapies and biomarker-driven approaches to enhance response rates and tailor treatments to individual immune profiles.
  • Examples include: Immune checkpoint inhibitors for bladder cancer.
  • Specifically designed to attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.

  • Available for kidney, prostate, and bladder surgeries.

  • Benefits:
    • Less postoperative pain
    • Smaller incisions and scars
    • Quicker return to daily activities
    • Lower infection risks

 

Post-Treatment Support and Outlook


Comprehensive support ensures long-term wellness and recovery:

  • Hormonal Therapy: Especially after prostate cancer.
  • Fertility Counseling: Offered before treatments that affect reproductive ability in youngsters.
  • Rehabilitation Services: Pelvic floor therapy, sexual health counseling, and mobility support.
  • Erectile dysfunction advice offered for those undergoing prostate surgery.
  • Dietary and Nutritional Support: To boost immunity and recovery.
  • Psycho-oncology Care: Mental health counseling, group therapy, and emotional support services.

Prevention and Early Detection

Many urino-genital cancers can be prevented or detected early through:
  • Routine screenings: HPV tests, PSA blood tests.
  • HPV Vaccination: For cervical and potentially penile cancers.
  • Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, staying physically active.
  • Self-Exams: Regular testicular checks.
  • Awareness of Family History: Genetic counseling where applicable.

Advances in Cosmetic and Functional Outcomes

Minimally invasive and nerve-sparing surgeries ensure better quality of life:
  • Nerve-Preservation Techniques: Maintain erectile and urinary function after prostate surgeries.
  • Organ-Sparing Approaches: Maximize fertility and hormonal balance in younger patients.
  • Laparoscopic and Robotic Methods: Improve recovery time and minimize scarring.

Take Charge of Your Health

Are you concerned about urinary or reproductive health? Seeking expert care or a second opinion? Our specialized team at the Cancer Clinic provides personalized, empathetic, and advanced care designed to prioritize your health and dignity. Your health journey matters. Let us walk it with you—with confidence, compassion, and expertise.