Beating Cancer with Breakthrough Treatments and a Team

By Greg McMahon, DO

There are six forms of cancer that urologists treat frequently, and each differs in terms of prevalence, prognosis, and treatment options. Frequently, we will work with our medical and radiation oncology colleagues in a multidisciplinary manner to tailor a patient’s individual treatment plan.

Our 60 urologists and their staff consult and treat people diagnosed with these cancers every day. We understand the challenges you face, and anticipate your questions. Additionally, we have several physicians who are fellowship trained in treating urologic malignancies.

We also have a robust clinical research team that allows us to offer patients promising new treatments and advancements. Our staff is dedicated to being at the forefront of medical advancements and patient care.

6 Urology Cancers: Know the Differences

Cancer begins the same in all body parts – your cells begin to grow out of control and develop into tumors. Among the forms of urologic cancer we treat:

Prostate cancer – The most common form of cancer found in men. The prostate is a small gland that produces the fluid found in the semen. Men in their sixties have the highest rate of prostate cancer detection, and that is why screening starts prior to the 6^th decade. However, some men, with a family history of prostate cancer, may need to start screening earlier in life.

Bladder cancer / Upper tract Urothelial cell carcinoma – The cells that line the bladder, ureter, and renal pelvis are called urothelial cells. Environmental risk factors for urothelial cell carcinoma include current or previous tobacco use. Blood in the urine, either visible or seen under a microscope, can be a sign of this disease and warrants a visit with a urologist.

Kidney cancer – Also called renal cell cancer, this disease starts in the tiny filters of your kidneys, called tubules, that filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. Most kidney cancers are found when they are small allowing us to only remove the bad portion of the kidney.

Adrenal gland cancer – The adrenal glands, located above each kidney, help produce your body’s hormones. Most tumors from the adrenal gland can lead to overproduction of certain hormones that can impact your blood pressure or stress levels. Surgical excision could help your body reach homeostasis (balance).

Testicular cancer – Testicular cancer predominately occurs in younger males and if found in early stages has an excellent prognosis.

Penile cancer – Penile cancer is a less common disease and is associated with HPV and chronic inflammation.

Each of these cancers can be diagnosed through a range of tests, including blood and urine screenings, imaging (such as CT scans and MRIs), ultrasounds, physical exams, and biopsies.

Treatment Options Designed for Your Cancer, and You

We offer treatment choices for each of these cancers, based on their stages and unique properties. Your options could include, but are not limited to: tissue removal, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy.

Each of these treatments may be recommended on its own or in combination with other care options, including emerging remedies tested by our clinical team. Some of the newest options include:

• Jelmyto – The first FDA-approved drug for upper urothelial (bladder and kidney) cancer, this is a gel form of chemotherapy injected directly into the organ, reducing the risk of tissue loss.
• IV infusion therapy (Keytruda) – This in-office medicinal treatment, for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, assists the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells.
• SpaceOAR – An option for prostate cancer, this is an absorbable gel that separates the prostate from the rectum, to reduce the rectum’s exposure to radiation treatment.
• Minimal Invasive surgery – Laparoscopic and robotic surgery are associated with quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays.

Cancer Treatment Takes a Team – Your Team

A cancer diagnosis is frightening regardless of where it occurs, but where you seek treatment should not be. The team you select can make a crucial difference in terms of your emotional health and recovery focus.

When you are part of a team you know is dedicated to stopping your singular cancer, you are never alone.

At MidLantic, we tackle urologic cancers with treatment options you might not find at other facilities. You can learn more about proven and breakthrough care options here.