Uro-Oncology (Cancers of the Urinary Tract)

Uro-oncology refers to the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the urinary tract including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and penile cancer.

The treatment of urological cancers depends on various factors such as the type and stage of cancer, the patient's age and overall health status, and the potential side effects of treatment. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these treatments.

Surgery is a common treatment option for many urological cancers. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, the surgery may involve removing part or whole of the affected organ, such as a partial or radical nephrectomy to remove a kidney tumour or a Transurethral Resection (TURBT) for an early stage Bladder tumour or a Radical Cystectomy to remove an advanced bladder tumour. In some cases, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery may be used to reduce recovery time and minimize complications.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and is often used in combination with surgery or as a primary treatment for localized cancers. Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells, and it is typically used for cancers that have spread beyond the original site. Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are newer treatments that use the body's immune system or drugs that target specific proteins in cancer cells to attack cancer cells.

Urological cancers can have significant physical and emotional impacts on patients and their families. It is important for patients to receive comprehensive care from a team of healthcare professionals, including urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and support staff. With timely and appropriate treatment, many urological cancers can be effectively treated, and patients can achieve a good quality of life.