CONDITIONS
Urological Cancers
What is cancer?
Cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells in the body. This is due to damage to their genetic material.
These rapidly dividing cells form masses of cells that are called tumours. Cancer can grow and directly invade organs in proximity to where the cells originated from. These cells have the capacity to spread to other organs via the bloodstream or lymphatics.
Urological cancers treated by Urologists include:
Prostate cancer:
The prostate gland produces fluid containing chemicals that nourish sperm to assist with reproduction. Prostate Cancer is the most common solid tumour in males across all population groups in South Africa. Prostate cancer is sometimes found incidentally during routine checkups where a doctor performs a rectal examination combined with a blood test.
Prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as trouble urinating, blood in the semen and urine, pain in the bones and discomfort in the pelvic region.
Bladder cancer:
This cancer usually starts in the inner lining of the urinary bladder. Bladder cancer is most often found in patients investigated for blood in the urine and/or the frequent need to urinate.
Renal cancer:
Renal cancer develops in the kidneys. Much like prostate cancer, in the early stages, renal cancer rarely causes symptoms. In later stages, it may cause symptoms such as loss of appetite, tiredness, blood in the urine, fever and unexplained weight loss.
Testicular cancer:
The testicles are responsible for producing male sex hormones and sperm for reproduction. Testicular cancer is most often found in patients who notice a mass/lump or steady enlargement of the testicle. Young men may be affected by testicular cancer.
Penile cancer:
A tumour may develop on the skin or body of the penis. Penile cancer presents as a non-healing ulcer or mass of the penis which may bleed or develop a discharge.
Treatment of cancer is individualized in every case. There are several factors that need to be considered when deciding on the most appropriate treatment strategy.
Urological cancers are commonly managed by a multidisciplinary team adopting a patient-centred approach. The Urologist forms an integral part in treatment and decision making as part of this team.