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Uro-oncology

Dr. Rajesh Dhake > Uro-oncology

Uro-Oncology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Urological Cancers

Uro-oncology is a specialised branch of urology focused on the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of cancers affecting the urinary system and male reproductive organs. These cancers can involve the kidneys, urinary bladder, prostate, testes and other parts of the urinary tract.

Early evaluation is important because many urological cancers may not cause significant symptoms during their initial stages. Blood in the urine, changes in urinary habits, unexplained weight loss, a lump, or persistent pain should not be ignored.

What Is Uro-Oncology?

Uro-oncology combines urological expertise with cancer diagnosis and treatment. A urologist may evaluate suspicious urinary or reproductive symptoms, perform diagnostic procedures and coordinate appropriate surgical or cancer care.

Depending on the cancer, treatment may involve surgery, minimally invasive procedures, robotic surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or targeted medicines. The treatment approach is determined after appropriate investigations and cancer staging.

Types of Urological Cancers

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland and is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Early prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Frequent urination
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Erectile difficulties
  • Bone or back pain in advanced disease

Evaluation may include a PSA blood test, clinical examination, imaging and, when required, prostate biopsy.

Treatment depends on the stage and characteristics of the cancer and may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or other cancer treatments.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer develops when abnormal cells grow within the kidney. Many kidney tumours are discovered incidentally during imaging performed for another reason.

Possible symptoms include:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent pain in the side or back
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Persistent tiredness
  • An abdominal or flank mass in some cases

Imaging such as ultrasound, CT or MRI may help identify a kidney mass. Treatment depends on tumour size, location, stage and kidney function.

Surgical options may include removal of only the tumour and surrounding tissue, known as partial nephrectomy, or removal of the affected kidney in selected cases.

Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer develops in the tissues lining the urinary bladder. Blood in the urine, particularly when it occurs without pain, is an important symptom that requires medical evaluation.

Other possible symptoms include:

  • Frequent urination
  • Urinary urgency
  • Burning during urination
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Pelvic discomfort
  • Recurrent urinary symptoms

Evaluation may involve urine tests, imaging, and cystoscopy. During cystoscopy, a thin camera is used to examine the inside of the bladder.

Treatment depends on whether the cancer is limited to the bladder lining or has invaded deeper layers. Options may include endoscopic tumour removal, bladder-directed treatment, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or surgery for selected advanced cases.

Urological Cancer Treatment

Urological cancer treatment is selected according to the cancer type, stage, tumour characteristics and overall health of the patient.

Treatment may include:

Surgery

Surgery is an important treatment for many localised urological cancers. Depending on the condition, the procedure may involve removal of a tumour, part of an organ or the affected organ.

Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery

Selected urological cancer surgeries can be performed using minimally invasive or robotic techniques. These approaches use small incisions and specialised instruments and may be appropriate depending on the cancer and surgical requirements.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and other systemic treatments. The appropriate approach depends on the cancer’s risk category and stage.

Kidney Cancer Treatment

Small, localised kidney tumours may sometimes be treated with kidney-sparing surgery such as partial nephrectomy. Larger or more complex tumours may require removal of the affected kidney.

Bladder Cancer Treatment

Bladder cancer treatment varies according to whether the tumour is superficial or has invaded the bladder muscle. Endoscopic treatment, intravesical therapy, systemic treatment and surgery may be considered depending on the stage.

How Are Urological Cancers Diagnosed?

Diagnosis depends on the suspected cancer and may involve several investigations.

Blood Tests

Blood tests such as PSA may be used when prostate cancer is suspected. Other blood tests can help assess overall health and kidney function.

Urine Tests

Urine examination can identify blood or other abnormalities. Additional urine-based tests may be recommended in selected cases.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can help evaluate the kidneys, bladder and prostate and may identify abnormalities requiring further investigation.

CT or MRI Scan

Advanced imaging can provide detailed information about a suspected tumour, its location and possible involvement of nearby structures.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is commonly used to examine the bladder and urethra when bladder cancer or other urinary tract abnormalities are suspected.

Biopsy

A biopsy involves obtaining a tissue sample for microscopic examination. Depending on the suspected cancer, a biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the characteristics of the tumour.

When Should You Consult a Uro-Oncology Specialist?

Certain symptoms should not be ignored, particularly when they persist or occur without an obvious explanation.

Seek medical evaluation if you experience:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent urinary changes
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent flank or pelvic pain
  • A lump in the kidney or testicular region
  • Recurrent urinary symptoms
  • Abnormal PSA results
  • A suspicious mass detected on imaging

Blood in the urine does not always mean cancer, but it should be evaluated to determine its cause.

Uro-Oncology Care in Pune

Finding a suitable urologist is important when a urinary tract or prostate cancer is suspected. The evaluation generally begins with understanding symptoms, reviewing previous reports and selecting appropriate investigations.

Dr. Rajesh Dhake provides urological evaluation and treatment in Pune, with an approach focused on accurate diagnosis and condition-specific management. Patients with suspected or confirmed prostate, kidney or bladder cancer can undergo appropriate evaluation to determine the next steps in treatment.

The treatment plan is individualised according to the cancer type, stage, overall health and patient’s specific requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a uro-oncologist treat?

Uro-oncology deals with cancers involving the urinary system and male reproductive organs, including prostate cancer, kidney cancer and bladder cancer, as well as selected cancers of the testis and urinary tract.

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. It may include surgery, robotic or minimally invasive surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment or active surveillance in selected cases.

Blood in the urine can have many causes, including urinary infections, kidney stones and other urinary conditions. However, unexplained blood in the urine should be evaluated because it can sometimes be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer.

In selected patients, particularly those with smaller localised tumours, kidney-sparing surgery such as partial nephrectomy may be possible. The decision depends on tumour size, location, kidney function and other clinical factors.

Consult a urologist if you notice blood in the urine, persistent urinary changes, unexplained weight loss, abnormal PSA results or a suspicious mass on imaging. Early evaluation can help identify the cause and determine appropriate treatment.

 A lump or swelling in the testicular region, along with any noticeable change in size, shape, or firmness, should be evaluated promptly by a urologist, since early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent these cancers, reducing risk factors like smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and attending regular check-ups — especially with a family history or other known risk factors — can support earlier detection and better outcomes.

The evaluation generally begins with understanding your symptoms, reviewing any previous reports or scans, and selecting appropriate investigations based on the suspected condition, before moving toward a personalised treatment plan.

Robotic and minimally invasive techniques allow selected urological cancer surgeries to be performed through small incisions with specialised instruments, generally offering greater precision and a faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Blood in the urine can have many causes, including urinary infections, kidney stones and other urinary conditions. However, unexplained blood in the urine should be evaluated because it can sometimes be an early sign of bladder or kidney cancer. 

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