Urologic Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
Urologic cancer accounts for nearly 90 percent of urinary tract cancers and is most prevalent in industrialized nations, such as ours. Incidence of urologic cancer increases with age, with people over age 70 developing the disease two to three times more often than those ages 55–69 and 15 to 20 times more often than those ages 30–54.
Urologic Cancer Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical exam. In addition, internal exams will include a rectal or vaginal exam. During such exams, the doctor may be able to feel an abnormality. Tests include:
- Urine test - to check for cancer cells
- X-rays - in this case, a contrast material is injected into the blood. It is filtered by the kidneys, and collected in the bladder to absorb the x-rays and create images
- CT scan - a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the pelvis, including the bladder and surrounding structures
- Cystoscopy - an examination of the bladder that uses a thin tube with a lighted tip that is inserted into the bladder through the urethra
- Biopsy (transurethral) - a test that involves removing a sample of bladder tissue during cystoscopy to test for cancer cells
Urologic Cancer Treatment
The treatment of urologic cancer includes the removal of the bladder as the most common surgical approach. Urologic surgeons at UM St. Joseph Medical Center stand above their peers in their ability to remove the bladder while still allowing for an appliance-free lifestyle. They are able to form an internal pouch, which serves as a type of man-made bladder that is emptied via a catheter.
To learn more about diagnosis and treatment of urologic cancer, please call 410-427-5585.