Urologic cancer occurs when cells grow out of control and cancerous tumors form in the organs of the urinary tract of men and women or in the male reproductive system.
Urologic cancer commonly affects the kidneys, bladder, prostate or testicles.
Most urologic cancers are treatable with conventional or minimally invasive surgery; other treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Urologic cancers are malignant growths (tumors) formed in the organs that are located within the urinary tract of a man or a woman. They are also found in the testicles, prostate or penis of the male reproductive system. These tumors are caused by the abnormal division of cells.
The urinary tract generates and stores urine and is made up of the kidneys, the ureter (tubes that transfer urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder and the urethra (the tube that transfers urine from the bladder and dismisses it from the body).
Urologic cancers typically cause such symptoms as pain, noticeable lumps, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and blood in the urine. Many urologic cancers are curable if they are caught early, so a person experiencing these symptoms should see a physician right away.
Much like other forms of cancer, urologic cancers are often treated by surgically removing the tumor(s). Other therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy can be used in addition to surgery, or in place of it completely.
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