Clinical trials play an important role in improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment. For some patients, taking part may offer access to new therapies that are not yet widely available. Your care team can help determine whether a clinical trial may be an option and explain what participation involves.
What is Urologic Cancer?
Urologic cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the urinary and male reproductive systems. These cancers most often begin in the kidneys, bladder, ureters, penis, prostate or testicles.
Urologic cancers develop when cells in these organs begin to grow and divide in abnormal ways, forming a tumor that can affect how the organ works. They are more common in adults, though risk factors and symptoms vary by type. If you or someone you care about has concerns, LifeBridge Health’s cancer specialists can answer questions and provide coordinated care tailored to each specific diagnosis.
Urologic Cancer Symptoms
Testing for urologic cancers can vary based on your symptoms and which part of the body is involved. Your care team may use one or more of the following tests to confirm cancer and see how far it has progressed.
Blood Tests
Though they cannot confirm a diagnosis on their own, blood tests can help identify proteins, tumor markers and other concerns associated with urologic cancers.
Urine Tests
Urine samples may be checked for blood, abnormal cells or other changes that raise concern.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound, CT scans or MRI help identify masses, blockages or changes in the kidneys, bladder or nearby structures.
Cystoscopy
For bladder-related symptoms, a thin camera may be inserted to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra.
Biopsy
If testing shows an area of concern, a small tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope. This is the key step in confirming a urologic cancer diagnosis.
How Urologic Cancer is Diagnosed
Treatment depends on the organ affected, the cancer’s stage and your overall health. Your LifeBridge Health care team uses this information to recommend options that support both effective treatment and quality of life.
Surgery
Surgery may involve removing the tumor, part of the affected organ or, in some cases, the entire organ. Your surgeon will review all appropriate options and explain what approach makes the most sense for you.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It may be used alone or alongside other treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It can support both treatment and symptom relief.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medication to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It may be effective in treating certain urologic cancers, including bladder cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Some urologic cancers respond to treatments that focus on the specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. This approach helps limit damage to healthy tissue.
Urologic Cancer Treatment Options
Our cancer experts work together across specialties to create a care plan that fits your diagnosis, overall health and goals. This plan may include one or more of the following options:
Surgery
Surgery aims to remove all of the cancer and a healthy margin of tissue. In cases where the cancer has spread, part or all of the esophagus may be removed as well as nearby lymph nodes.
Endoscopic Treatments
Some early-stage cancers can be treated with procedures that remove or destroy abnormal tissue without major surgery.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used on its own or combined with other treatments to shrink a tumor, lower the risk of recurrence or ease symptoms.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. It is often combined with chemotherapy for certain stages of esophageal cancer.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy uses medication to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy focuses on specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. This approach helps limit damage to healthy tissue.
Clinical Trials
Supportive Services
When you receive cancer care at LifeBridge Health, you have access to supportive services like counseling, integrative therapies and support groups. These resources are designed to help patients care for their physical and emotional well‑being throughout treatment and beyond.