What is a Transaction?
Oncologic diseases of the urinary tract include cancers that develop in the kidneys, bladder, prostate and testicles. These cancers are caused by uncontrolled and abnormal growth and proliferation of cells in the urinary tract. The cells in these areas grow beyond their normal boundaries and damage healthy tissue, which leads to the development of cancer.
What are the Symptoms?
Urinary tract cancers can present with different symptoms. These symptoms include the following:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria): When urinating, red or pink color can be seen in the urine.
- Pain or burning when urinating: There may be a feeling of discomfort when urinating.
- Frequent Need to Urinate: You may need to urinate more often than usual.
- Lower Abdominal, Back or Side Pain: Problems with the kidneys or bladder can cause pain in these areas.
- Fatigue and weakness: The body’s reaction to the cancer can cause a loss of energy.
- Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: The effects of cancer on the body can lead to loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Swelling or Hardness of the Testicles: An abnormal swelling or hardness of the testicles may be noticed.
How is it done?
To diagnose urinary tract cancers, your doctor may use the following tests and methods:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will assess your general state of health and your symptoms.
- Blood and urine tests: These tests look for signs of cancer or infections in the urinary tract.
- Imaging Techniques: Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI (Magnetic Resonance) and CT (Computed Tomography) are used to determine the location and size of the cancer.
- Biopsy A small sample of suspicious tissue is taken and examined in the laboratory to check for the presence of cancer cells.
Once diagnosed, a treatment plan is drawn up according to the type of cancer, its stage (how far it has spread) and the patient’s general health.
What are the Treatment Methods?
- Surgical Intervention: Surgery to remove the cancerous tissue or tumor. This is done to remove the cancer completely.
- Chemotherapy Drug treatment used to kill cancer cells. The drugs stop cancer cells from multiplying or destroy them.
- Radiotherapy: High-energy beams are used to target and destroy cancerous cells. This treatment is usually used after surgery to prevent the cancer from spreading.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. This treatment helps the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapies: Drugs that target specific abnormalities in cancer cells and affect only these cells. This treatment is an approach to destroy cancer cells without harming healthy cells.
The course and method of treatment may vary depending on the type of cancer and the general condition of the patient. Your doctor will evaluate the most appropriate treatment options for you.
