

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:
Alcohol consumption
Certain medical conditions – These conditions include bladder exstrophy and von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Environmental exposure to certain chemicals
Family history and genetics
Infections – Like human papillomavirus, hepatitis B and C
Tobacco 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:
Bladder cancer
Cervical cancer
Endometrial cancer
Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
Ovarian cancer
Penile cancer
Prostate cancer
Testicular cancer
Urethral cancer
Vulvar 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:
A mass or lump in the testicles.
A persistent cough or difficulty breathing.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Blood in the urine (haematuria)
Changes in urinary frequency or urgency
Lower abdominal pain or pelvic pain
Pain in the lower back or side
Pain or discomfort during urination
Pain or discomfort in the penis
Unusual 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:
Chemotherapy medication is used to destroy or halt cancer cells' growth.
Cryotherapy involves the use of freezing temperatures to kill cancer
Hormonal therapy hormone-altering drugs can inhibit the growth of several malignancies, including prostate cancer.
Immunotherapy procedures aid the body's immune system's battle against cancer
Radiation therapy High-energy radiation reduces tumours and kills cancer
Surgery Surgery is frequently the first line of treatment to remove the malignant tissue for many GU malignancies.
Targeted therapy involves the use of medicines that specifically target molecules associated with the division and development of cancer