Genitourinary cancers develop in the urinary and male reproductive systems \u2014 which affect essential functions if not detected early. If left untreated, they can cause loss of function or organ removal in some cases. Understanding what types of cancers a genitourinary cancer specialist treats and what treatments are recommended for early recovery can make your cancer journey better. Prevention and early treatment can restore maximum organ function with minimum side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So let us understand what genitourinary cancer is, how it’s diagnosed, the subtypes, and the available treatment options in this blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genitourinary cancers are classified by the presence of abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth in the urinary tract of both males and females, along with the male reproductive system. Female reproductive cancers do not come under this and are classified as gynecological cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Diagnosing genitourinary cancers involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us look at the types of cancers included in this broad term and the most effective treatment options available for each of the subtypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Just as the name suggests, kidney cancer is an abnormal cell growth in one or both kidneys. Surgery is the most preferred for the removal of only the tumor-affected area or the entire kidney. Immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy are used as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bladder cancer is the uncontrolled cancer cell growth in the male or female urinary bladder. Surgeries like Transurethral Tumor Resection [for bladder preservation], Cystectomy [for bladder removal], chemotherapy delivered orally or intravesically for early stages, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy are treatment types available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Urethral cancer is a cancerous cell growth in the tissues lining the urethra [tube carrying urine out from the bladder]. Commonly used treatment methods are surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prostate cancer is a cancerous cell growth in the prostate gland of the male reproductive system. It produces fluid for semen. Genitourinary cancer specialists suggest surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy [Androgen Deprivation Therapy], targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Chemotherapy is used if cancer has spread beyond the organ in advanced stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Penile cancer is the abnormal cell growth that happens in the skin or the entire shaft of the penis. For early-stage cancer, oncologists go for topical therapies, laser treatment, and organ preservation surgery. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and major organ removal surgeries are suggested for patients with advanced stages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is the cancerous growth that happens in the testicles. Preferred treatment is surgical removal of the affected testicle. Specialists use chemotherapy as well as radiation therapy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This abnormal cell growth occurs in the lining of the upper urinary tract or the tubes connecting your kidneys to the bladder [ureters]. Surgery is the most preferred treatment approach where the affected urinary tract or the tumors are surgically removed. Specialists can also include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies in required cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Adrenal cancer is an uncommon cancer of the endocrine system that occurs in the adrenal glands. These glands are right above the kidneys. Although adrenal cancer is not traditionally classified as a genitourinary cancer, its location near the kidneys and the surgical expertise required often bring it within the scope of genitourinary oncology specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Surgery is the most preferred choice for this cancer, and other treatments include chemotherapy. Depending on the stage, size, and other factors, radiation therapy may be used as a secondary treatment approach to kill the remaining cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The above-mentioned treatment options may be used alone or in combination, depending on the condition of the patient and the cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genitourinary cancer can sound confusing at first, as it includes various cancer subtypes in it. But if you have the right knowledge on what it is, what its treatments are, and how it affects your organ functions, it makes a huge difference. With the advancements in the medical field, managing and successfully recovering from such cancers has become possible with higher chances of a full recovery. So, if you feel any prolonged discomfort in your urinary tract or male reproductive organs, reach out to a genitourinary cancer specialist for a screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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