ConditionandTreatments

Overview

Uro-Oncology is a specialized field of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. This includes cancers of the kidneys, bladder, prostate, ureters, and testicles. Advances in uro-oncology have significantly improved patient outcomes, integrating traditional methods with cutting-edge technology.

Robotic Surgery represents a significant advancement in surgical techniques, allowing for more precise, minimally invasive procedures. This technology enhances the ability to perform complex surgeries with greater accuracy, less pain, and shorter recovery times.

​Common Procedures for Genito-Urinary (Urological) Cancers

Kidneys & Upper Urinary Tract Cancers:

• Laparoscopic/Open Radical Nephrectomy: Removal of the entire kidney for all stages of renal cell carcinoma.
• Laparoscopic/Open Partial Nephrectomy: Removal of a portion of the kidney for localized renal cell carcinoma.
• Laparoscopic/Open Nephro-Ureterectomy: Removal of the kidney and ureter for transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract.

Urinary Bladder Cancers:

• Transurethral Resection/Laser Ablation of Bladder Tumors: Minimally invasive procedures to remove or destroy bladder tumors.
• Laparoscopic/Open Radical Cystoprostatectomy with Neo-Bladder or Ileal-Conduit: Surgical removal of the bladder and prostate, followed by reconstruction with a neo-bladder or ileal-conduit for urinary diversion.
• Urinary Diversion: Creating a new way for urine to leave the body.
• Laparoscopic/Open Partial Cystectomy: Removal of a portion of the bladder.

Prostate Cancers:

• TRUS & MPMRI Guided Prostatic Biopsy: Targeted biopsy of the prostate using transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and multi-parametric MRI (MPMRI) guidance.
• Laparoscopic/Open Radical Prostatectomy & Pelvic Lymphadenectomy: Removal of the prostate and pelvic lymph nodes.
• TUR Channelling: Transurethral resection (TUR) for obstructing but unresectable prostate cancers.

Testicular Cancers:

• Radical Orchidectomy: Surgical removal of one or both testicles.
• Laparoscopic/Open Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection (RPLND): Removal of lymph nodes in the retroperitoneum for testicular cancer.

Penile Cancers:

• Partial/Total Penectomy: Surgical removal of part or all of the penis.
• Video Endoscopic Inguinal Lymphadenectomy (VEIL): Minimally invasive removal of inguinal lymph nodes.
• Open Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: Traditional surgical removal of inguinal lymph nodes.

Kidney Cancer

What is Kidney Cancer?

Kidney cancer occurs when normal kidney cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably. The kidneys, located on each side of the mid-back, filter blood and remove waste, producing urine.

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer:

Smaller tumors may not cause symptoms, but larger or spread tumors might present:

• Blood in urine
• Pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen
• A noticeable lump in the abdomen or back
• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms can also be due to non-cancerous conditions, so consult a doctor for evaluation.

Testing for Kidney Cancer:

Doctors use various imaging tests to diagnose kidney cancer, such as:

• CT scans
• MRIs
• Ultrasounds

Often, kidney cancer is discovered incidentally during imaging for other issues.

Kidney Cancer Staging:

Staging determines how far the cancer has spread and helps to choose the appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Kidney Cancer:

Options include:

• Surgery: Typically involves removing the tumor or affected kidney. Sometimes surgery is possible even if the cancer has spread.
• Medical Treatments: Includes targeted therapy and immunotherapy, especially for non-resectable or advanced cases.

Post-Treatment: Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor for recurrence. Tests may include exams, lab tests, and imaging.

If Cancer Recurs or Spreads: Further surgery or additional medical treatments may be necessary.

Prostate Cancer

Overview:

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland, often growing slowly. It may spread to bones and lymph nodes, primarily affecting men over 65. The prostate, located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, produces seminal fluid.

Treatment for Early-Stage Prostate Cancer:

Early detection usually leads to a better prognosis. Treatments depend on the cancer's stage and grade.

Urinary Bladder Cancer

What is Bladder Cancer?

Bladder cancer develops when normal bladder cells turn abnormal and grow uncontrollably.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer:

• Blood in urine
• Pain in the back or pelvic area
• Painful or frequent urination

These symptoms can also indicate other conditions, so a doctor's evaluation is crucial.

Testing for Bladder Cancer:

Tests include:

• Urine tests
• Imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans)
• Cystoscopy, which allows direct examination of the bladder

Treatment for Bladder Cancer:

Options include:

• Surgery: Options range from removing tumors to total bladder removal, sometimes involving urinary diversion.
• Medical Therapy: Includes intravesical therapy for early-stage cancer, chemotherapy for muscle-invasive cases, and radiation therapy as an alternative to surgery.

Post-Treatment: Follow-ups involve urine tests, cystoscopy, and imaging to check for recurrence.

If Cancer Recurs or Spreads: Additional surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation may be required.

Penile Cancer

A rare cancer affecting the skin or internal structures of the penis, most commonly in men over 50.

Testicular Cancer

A rare cancer in the testicles, treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

What We Do

We handle urologic cancers with advanced surgical techniques, including robotic and laparoscopic procedures, and offer a range of therapies for early and advanced stages.

• Surgical Uro-Oncology & Robotics: Our team performs sophisticated robotic and open surgeries for kidney, prostate, and bladder cancers, among others. We emphasize minimal invasion and rapid recovery.
• Radiation Oncology: We provide precise radiation therapies and short-course treatments, focusing on both cure and quality of life.
• Uro-Medical Oncology: We use chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal therapy, and immunotherapy to treat urological cancers, aiming for cure or control depending on the disease's extent.
• Diagnosis of Urologic Cancer: Diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation including physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies.

FAQ

What is uro-oncology?

Uro-oncology is a medical specialty focused on cancers affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive organs, including the kidneys, bladder, prostate, ureters, and testicles.

What is robotic surgery?

Robotic surgery involves using robotic systems to perform precise surgical procedures through small incisions, offering benefits such as enhanced accuracy, reduced pain, and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgery.

How is uro-oncological cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, urinalysis, blood tests, and biopsies to confirm the presence and type of cancer.

What treatments are available for uro-oncological cancers?

Treatment options include medication (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy), surgical procedures (both robotic-assisted and traditional), and supportive therapies such as meditation.

Can robotic surgery be used for all types of uro-oncological cancers?

Robotic surgery can be used for many types of uro-oncological cancers, including prostate and kidney cancers. The suitability of robotic surgery depends on the specific case and tumor characteristics.