Genitourinary Cancer

What is genitourinary cancer?

Genitourinary oncology aims to diagnose, treat, and manage cancers affecting the urinary tract and the reproductive organs of both men and women. Genitourinary oncology provides comprehensive, individualised care to achieve the best outcome for every patient suffering from genitourinary cancer.

Causes of genitourinary cancer

Genitourinary (GU) cancers, which affect the reproductive and urinary systems, can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • List ImageAlcohol consumption
  • List ImageCertain medical conditions – These conditions include bladder exstrophy and von Hippel-Lindau disease.
  • List ImageEnvironmental exposure to certain chemicals
  • List ImageFamily history and genetics
  • List ImageInfections – Like human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C
  • List ImageTobacco use

It is important to note that many GU cancers have no apparent cause.

Types of genitourinary cancers

Genitourinary (GU) cancers refer to cancers that affect the reproductive and urinary systems. Some common types of GU cancers include:

  • List ImageBladder cancer
  • List ImageCervical cancer
  • List ImageEndometrial cancer
  • List ImageKidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
  • List ImageOvarian cancer
  • List ImagePenile cancer
  • List ImageProstate cancer
  • List ImageTesticular cancer
  • List ImageUrethral cancer
  • List ImageVulvar cancer

Genitourinary cancer symptoms

Depending on the nature of cancer and whether it has progressed to the reproductive or urinary systems, genitourinary cancer (GU) symptoms may vary. However, the following are some typical indications:

  • List ImageA mass or lump in the testicles.
  • List ImageA persistent cough or difficulty breathing.
  • List ImageAbnormal vaginal bleeding
  • List ImageBlood in the urine (haematuria)
  • List ImageChanges in urinary frequency or urgency
  • List ImageLower abdominal pain or pelvic pain
  • List ImagePain in the lower back or side
  • List ImagePain or discomfort during urination
  • List ImagePain or discomfort in the penis
  • List ImageUnusual discharge from the vagina

It is important to remember that many different conditions can cause these symptoms, but not all of them necessarily indicate cancer.

Genitourinary cancer treatments

Some common treatments for GU cancers include:

  • List ImageChemotherapy medication is used to destroy or halt cancer cells' growth.
  • List ImageCryotherapy involves the use of freezing temperatures to kill cancer
  • List ImageHormonal therapy hormone-altering drugs can inhibit the growth of several malignancies, including prostate cancer.
  • List ImageImmunotherapy procedures aid the body's immune system's battle against cancer
  • List ImageRadiation therapy High-energy radiation reduces tumours and kills cancer
  • List ImageSurgery Surgery is frequently the first line of treatment to remove the malignant tissue for many GU malignancies.
  • List ImageTargeted therapy involves the use of medicines that specifically target molecules associated with the division and development of cancer