Department of Uro oncology
What is oncology?
deals with the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
What is Uro-oncology/ genito-urinary oncology
Uro-oncology/ genito-urinary oncology is a specialized field in oncology, focusing on
cancers found
in the urinary and the male reproductive organs. These include prostate cancer, kidney
cancer,
adrenal tumors, bladder cancer, testicular cancer and cancers of the penis. Urologist who
specializes in the management of genito-urinary cancers is called Uro-oncologist.
How common are the Genito-urinary cancers?
Tumors of the genitourinary system are one of the most common tumors encountered in clinical
practice, especially in Indian subcontinent. Increased screening programmes, improved cancer
awareness in general population and with the advent of newer imaging modalities; the cancers
of Genito-urinary system are being detected at early stages.
Is cancer curable?
Most of the cancers are curable if they are detected at initial stages or lower grades. Few
can be treated even at relatively later stages with multiple treatment modalities. Cancers
at very late stages are difficult to be cured; however quality of life can be improved with
palliative and supportive care.
How to diagnose the cancer at early stage?
Early detection of cancer significantly increases the chances for successful treatment. Some
signs of cancer include lumps/ swellings, sores that fail to heal, blood in the urine,
unexplained loss of weight and loss of appetite. However for all practical purposes most of
the cancers, genito-urinary cancers in particular, are silent in initial stages. These can
only be detected with screening or regular health check. Kidney, adrenal, bladder and
testicular cancers can be detected by scans, Prostate cancer can be detected by serum PSA
(Prostate specific antigen) test and penile cancers can be diagnosed by clinical
examination. Once suspicious lesions detected, confirmation can be done by tissue biopsy
(Piece of tissue for microscopic assessment; i.e. needle biopsy of prostate, endoscopic
biopsy for bladder and edge biopsy for penile cancers. At times entire tumor is removed and
sent for microscopic examination ex: kidney cancers, bladder cancers and testicular
cancers.
Is it possible to remove only the tumor without sacrificing the
entire affected organ?
Yes. We at AINU strongly believe in preserving the affected organ as much as possible at the
same time completely removing the tumor. In other words; our goal of treatment is not only
to achieve good oncological outcome but also a fair functional out come. For example, we try
to preserve as much kidney as possible for kidney cancers. This procedure is called partial
nephrectomy. Similarly we routinely perform various organ preserving surgeries such as,
endoscopic resection of bladder tumor and partial cystectomy for urinary bladder cancers;
partial penectomy, glansectomy and local excision of penile cancers; rarely testis sparing
surgery for small testicular tumors. However these procedures are considered in only special
circumstances and as per the discretion of surgeon.
Is it possible to perform cancer surgeries by minimal invasive
techniques, avoiding big incisions?
Yes. Our institute has got experienced and distinguished surgeons, reputed for laparoscopic
as well as robotic surgeries. Most of the cancer procedures at our hospital are being done
by minimal invasive techniques, which can limit the size of incisions needed and so less
blood loss, lessen wound healing time, associated pain and risk of infection. Eventually
this helps in early and comfortable post-operative recovery.
What are the treatment facilities available for genitourinary
cancers at AINU?
Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology is renowned for minimally invasive surgeries
(laparoscopic as well as robotic procedures) for cancer treatment. It served many
genito-urinary cancer patients not only from this region but also from several parts of the
country. AINU is also one of the most sought after hospitals for medical tourism.
