Urologic Oncology Definition

Urologic oncology is the field of medicine concerned with the research and treatment of cancers of the urinary system for both genders, as well as those affecting the male sexual organs, according to Phoenix5 Prostate Cancer Glossary. Most often, these include cancers of the kidneys and bladder, as well as the prostate and testes. Women’s cancers or cancers of the female reproductive systems are seen by gynecologic oncologists.

Risk Factors

• The risk factors for different organs within the urinary and genital systems are variable. The National Cancer Institute lists age, smoking, certain bacterial infections and occupational chemical exposure among the risk factors for bladder cancer. For kidney cancer, the risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and heavy metal exposure. The odds of developing prostate cancer are raised by age and family history, while testicular cancer risk factors include family history and congenital abnormalities or birth defects of the testes, kidneys and penis.

Symptoms

• Blood in the urine, painful or burning sensation during urination and needing to urinate frequently, particularly during the night, are all symptoms common to bladder, kidney and prostate cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute. Kidney cancer may also result in symptoms of fever, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and a pain in the side that does not subside. Prostate cancer will affect the flow of urine, patients may experience difficulty starting or stopping urination as well as difficulty in achieving an erection. Testicular cancer often presents as an enlargement or swelling of the testicle, pain in the scrotum and/or pain in the groin, back or lower abdomen.

Treatment Options

• There are three main categories of urologic cancer treatments: surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. A fourth option sometimes applied in the treatment of prostate cancer is termed active surveillance or watchful waiting. In this case, a prostate tumor that is determined to be of very small size and slow growth is not actively treated until such a time that it is determined to be of greater risk to the patient, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Side Effects

• The side effects of surgery will vary depending on the extent of tissue or organ removal. In the case of bladder cancer sometimes the entire bladder and surrounding genital tract needs to be removed; the patient will require an external bag attachment in order to eliminate urine, according to the National Cancer Institute. Kidney removal may require future dialysis, while prostate removal will result in infertility and potential erectile dysfunction. Removal of one testicle should not produce long-term side effects. Common side effects of radiation include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, painful urination and skin irritations. Side effects of chemotherapy may be fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores and pain.

Nutrition

• Urologic oncologists will often refer patients undergoing treatment to dietitians in order to provide healthy diet tips, according to the National Cancer Institute. Side effects of cancer treatment will often leave patients with poor appetites, discomfort and fatigue. Some patients report taste changes while undergoing treatment therapies, which also affects food intake. It is, however, important to maintain a healthy weight and to consume adequate protein levels during treatment in order to promote healing.