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 are Urologic Cancers?
Urologic cancers affect the urinary and male reproductive systems. They most often begin in the kidneys, bladder, ureters, prostate, testicles or penis.
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.
Symptoms of Urologic Cancers
Symptoms of urologic cancers depend on which organ is affected and the severity of the disease, but some signs overlap.
Common symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Changes in urination (frequency, urgency or difficulty)
- Pain or pressure in the lower back, abdomen or pelvis
- A lump or swelling in the testicle
- Unexplained fatigue or weight loss
How Urologic Cancers are Diagnosed
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.
Treatment Options for Urologic Cancers
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.
For urologic cancers, LifeBridge Health offers traditional external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) as well as advanced techniques such as:
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which delivers highly focused radiation in a small number of treatments
- Radiopharmaceutical therapy, which uses radioactive medicines that travel through the bloodstream to target cancer cells, specifically certain prostate cancers
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.
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.