Urologic Care for Bladder, Kidney, Testicular and Prostate Cancer
Performing the highest volume of robotic surgeries for urologic malignancies in Washington D.C., the surgical team at the Urologic Oncology Center at MedStar Washington Hospital Center focuses on delivering a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and management of all urologic cancers.
Our cancer specialists are leading experts in treating patients with complex urologic cancers through the use of advanced technologies and procedures including robotic, laparoscopic, and open surgery with the goal of ensuring that maximum functionality is restored to the affected organs.
Treatment of Urologic Cancer
Urologic cancers are defined as cancer involving any of the following organs:
Treatment and management plans are determined based on the type of cancer that is diagnosed as well as the stage at diagnosis. Our team of urology specialists advocate for patient involvement in the diagnosis and treatment process in order to provide a personalized treatment plan that meets the specific needs of each individual.
Prostate Cancer
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ in the male pelvis that surrounds the urethra (urinary pipe) and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland and is the most common non-skin cancer in men.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
As with all cancer patients who are treated at the Hospital Center, our urologists employ a multidisciplinary approach through building a team of urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and clinical trial specialists. The multidisciplinary care team will determine the full spectrum of treatment options available that are most suitable for each individual’s needs.
Learn more about prostate cancer treatment at the Hospital Center.
Bladder Cancer
The bladder is a hollow organ in the pelvis with flexible, muscular walls. Its main function is to store urine before it leaves the body. Bladder cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the urinary bladder, typically the urothelium (the lining of the bladder). Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and eighth most common cancer in women.
Treatment of Bladder Cancer
The urologists at the Hospital Center use “blue light cystoscopy” to improve detection and identification of bladder tumors, which may be difficult to see using traditional “white light cystoscopy.”
Treatment of bladder cancer generally depends on which layers of the bladder tissue are involved. Treatment options may include minimally invasive options such as endoscopic therapies or invasive procedures such as intravesical therapy.
Kidney Cancer
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist, located on each side of the spine, behind the abdominal organs. The function of the kidneys is to filter the blood and produce urine, which is transported by the ureters to the bladder.
Kidney cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the kidneys. Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women, with the most common type of kidney cancer being renal cell carcinoma.
Treatment of Kidney Cancer
Treatment options will depend on the stage of cancer, but may need to include surgery to remove the tumor or, in advanced circumstances, the entire kidney. Treatment may also include immunotherapy and medications that act on specific receptors or enzymes to help thwart the cancer.
Testicular Cancer
The testicles are male reproductive organs that produce male sex hormones and sperm. They are located inside the scrotum, under the penis. Testicular cancer is primarily diagnosed in young male adults between the ages of 15 and 35. However, compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare.
Treatment of Testicular Cancer
The stage and symptoms of testicular cancer at the time of diagnosis will determine treatment options. Treatment for testicular cancer typically involves removing the affected testicle.
