Genitourinary Cancer

Cancer is life changing. A diagnosis can leave you with many questions — what’s next, what’s the right treatment path, how will this affect me and so many more. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, our genitourinary oncology team is here for you – to answer your questions, provide the most effective treatment options and get you on the road to survivorship.

Genitourinary cancers include cancers affecting the male reproductive system and urinary organs. The organs include cancer of the bladder, kidney, penis, prostate, testes, ureter and urethra. These types of cancer have different signs and symptoms. And symptoms are not the same for everyone. At St. Elizabeth, we treat all genitourinary cancers, including:

Young man with pain talks to doctor for treatment.

Make an appointment

For more information, please contact your oncologist or the Cancer Care Center at (859) 301-4000.

Genitourinary Cancer Screening

Regular screenings are one of the most effective weapons in the fight against cancer. They can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome by detecting cancers in their early stages when they are most treatable.

Prostate Cancer Screening

Experts recommend that men discuss screening for prostate cancer with their doctor. According to the American Cancer Society, that discussion should take place:

  • At age 40 if you are at higher risk, with more than one first degree relative (father or brother) diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65.

  • At age 45 if you are at high risk, including African American men and men with either a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer when they were younger than 65.

  • At age 50 if you are at average risk of prostate cancer.

Genetic Testing for Genitourinary Cancer

If you have a family history of cancer and are concerned about your risk, genetic counseling is an option to consider. It can help determine whether you carry a cancer mutation or gene that increases your risk. St. Elizabeth is the only cancer program in Northern Kentucky that offers a team of on-site genetic counselors.

For patients diagnosed with genitourinary cancer, our hereditary cancer program offers information and resources on inherited disease. Genetic testing can help determine how a cancer will respond to treatment — and allow us to develop a laser-focused treatment plan specific to your cancer cells’ anatomy.

Genitourinary Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosing genitourinary cancer begins with a thorough physical exam and a review of your personal and family medical histories.

If cancer is suspected, you may require additional testing. These tests include:

  • Angiography — Imaging test that uses X-rays to examine your blood vessels.

  • Blood tests — Measures different properties in your blood, including hormones, enzymes, certain chemicals, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.

  • Bone scans — Imaging test that helps determine if cancer has spread from its original site.

  • Cystoscopy — Test that uses a tiny, lighted tube to view inside your bladder and urethra.

  • CT urogram — Test used to examine your genitourinary system, including your bladder, kidneys and ureters.

  • Imaging tests, including CT, MRI and PET scans — Procedures that provide an internal view of your urinary system and any tumors or abnormal masses located there.

  • Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) — An exam in which a contrast agent is injected into your vein and then observed with X-rays as it outlines your kidneys, ureters and bladder.

  • Tissue biopsy — Removal of cells or tissues to determine whether cancer is present.

  • Ultrasound — Procedure that uses sound waves to view inside your body.

  • Urinalysis — Test that reveals when infection or blood is present in your urine.

Dr. Bikhchandani speaks with patient in medical office.

Getting a Second Opinion

If you have a diagnosis of genitourinary cancer, you want to make sure you have a team of experts by your side. We can provide a second opinion and present treatment options.

Genitourinary Cancer Treatments

The team of cancer experts at St. Elizabeth treats you like the unique individual you are. We work together to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses every aspect of your cancer and its impact on your life.

Treatment options may include:

  • Chemotherapy — Therapy that uses drugs injected through IV, taken by mouth or applied on the skin to attack and kill cancer cells.

  • Cryotherapy — Treatment that uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells.

  • Hormone therapy — Treatment that uses medication to reduce or block the production of hormones to prevent cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to multiply.

  • Immunotherapy — Medication therapy that stimulates your immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.

  • Radiation therapy — Therapy that uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.

  • Stereotactic radiosurgery — A nonsurgical procedure that uses precisely targeted radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.

  • Surgery — A procedure to remove cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.

  • Watchful waiting —Treatment that involves closely monitoring the cancer but not giving treatment unless it progresses.

Nurse Navigators Help You Move Forward with Confidence

Genitourinary Cancer

Our nurse navigators are vital in guiding and supporting you through the cancer treatment journey. With their specialized knowledge and compassionate approach, nurse navigators offer constant assistance, providing valuable information, coordinating appointments and helping to navigate the healthcare system. They offer emotional support, answer questions and address concerns to ensure you feel empowered and well-informed.

By serving as a trusted advocate, nurse navigators steer you through the challenges of cancer treatment, enhancing your overall experience and providing personalized care every step of the way.

Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery

If surgery is needed, we use the most up-to-date, minimally invasive approaches, including robotic surgery that offers many benefits, such as:

  • Less pain.
  • Many procedures can be done as outpatient.
  • Shorter length of stay in the hospital.
  • Shorter recovery.
  • Quicker return to everyday life.

Most of our cancer patients require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Our team will create a comprehensive plan based on your needs.

Genitourinary Cancer Surveillance

If your cancer is small and confined to one area, it may not require treatment. The team at St. Elizabeth uses active surveillance for some slow-growing cancers, such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer. We use regular testing and physical examinations to monitor your cancer and whether it’s progressing.

If you do require treatment, our team looks out for you long after your treatment is over. We carefully monitor your condition for at least five years after your diagnosis and adjust your care if we see any indications that your cancer has returned or spread. Our comprehensive surveillance schedule meets your unique medical needs and can include:

  • Follow-up visits
  • Occupational therapy
  • Physical therapy
  • Routine testing
  • Specialist appointments
  • Support group recommendations

Certified oncology data specialists maintain and update our Cancer Registry. St. Elizabeth keeps a record of all the cancer cases we’ve diagnosed or treated since 2000. We use this database to gather vital information, stay on top of trends, measure the effectiveness of different treatments, and gauge cancer’s impact on our community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Genitourinary Cancer

Symptoms of genitourinary cancers vary depending on the organ involved. Common warning signs may include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, unexplained weight loss or a lump in the testicle. Some cancers may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. If you experience persistent changes in urinary or reproductive health, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor.
You should talk with your doctor if you experience continued symptoms such as blood in the urine, urinary changes, testicular lumps or unexplained pelvic pain. Your doctor may refer you to a genitourinary cancer specialist for additional testing and evaluation if cancer is suspected. Early evaluation can help identify problems sooner and guide appropriate treatment.
A urologist is a doctor who treats conditions affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system, including noncancerous conditions. A urologic oncologist has additional specialized training focused specifically on cancers of those organs, such as prostate, bladder and kidney cancer. If cancer is suspected or confirmed, you will typically be referred to a urologic oncologist who can guide your diagnosis and treatment plan.
Not necessarily. An elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level does not always mean cancer is present. PSA levels can increase for several reasons, including prostate enlargement, infection or inflammation. If you have an elevated PSA level, your doctor may recommend repeat testing, additional imaging or a biopsy to determine the cause. Your care team can help explain what your results mean and if you need further evaluation.
Bladder cancer and kidney cancer both affect the urinary system but develop in different organs and have different treatments. Bladder cancer starts in the lining of the bladder and often causes blood in the urine as an early warning sign. Kidney cancer develops in the kidney itself and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Each requires its own diagnostic approach and treatment plan.
Some genitourinary cancers may be linked to inherited genetic mutations. For example, certain inherited conditions may increase the risk of kidney cancer, prostate cancer or other cancers. Genetic testing and counseling can help determine whether an inherited mutation may be present.
Active surveillance is an approach used for some slow-growing cancers, particularly prostate cancer. Instead of starting treatment immediately, doctors closely monitor the cancer through regular exams, imaging and lab tests. Treatment may begin if the cancer shows signs of growing or becoming more aggressive. This approach helps some patients avoid unnecessary treatment and potential side effects.
Side effects depend on the type of treatment you receive. Surgery and radiation can both affect urinary control and sexual function, and these changes may be temporary or long-term. Hormone therapy can cause fatigue, hot flashes and changes in bone density. Not every patient experiences the same side effects, and many can be managed with the right support. Your care team will talk through what to expect before treatment begins and connect you with resources to help.
Prostate cancer recurrence is possible even after successful treatment. That’s why follow-up care is important. Your care team will monitor your PSA levels and overall health after treatment to watch for any signs of recurrence. If cancer does come back, there are additional treatment options available. Catching a recurrence early gives you the best chance of managing it effectively.
Finishing treatment is a significant milestone, but your care does not stop there. Your team will monitor your health through regular follow-up visits, imaging and lab work to watch for any signs that cancer has returned. If you notice new or unusual symptoms between appointments, contact your care team right away.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

Call Your Primary Care Provider

Talk to your primary care physician about when you should have your cancer screenings. Call (800) 737-7900.

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