How is Urologic Cancer Diagnosed?
DiagnosisOur experienced urologic oncologists use a range of tests to diagnose urologic cancer. These tests are tailored to each patient's unique symptoms, medical history, and risk factors. Many specialized tests can diagnose the different types of urologic cancer. In general, the tests used to diagnose urologic cancer include:
- Blood tests - To look for changes in the blood associated with cancer
- Urine tests - To check for blood and other substances, infection, or cancer cells
- Tests using scopes - Different tools that all use a thin tube with a tiny light and camera on the end to examine inside the body, for example, inside the ureter, bladder, or kidney, to look for abnormal tissue
- Imaging tests - Including MRI, X-ray, and CT scans to look for tumors or other abnormal growths anywhere in the urinary tract
- Biopsy - Removing a small sample of tissue to examine under the microscope for cancer cells
Based on your test results, your doctor will determine the type of urologic cancer you have and its stage (how much it has grown or spread from where it started).
How is Urologic Cancer Treated?
TreatmentsTreatment options for urologic cancer depend on the type of cancer and its stage. Our urologic cancer care experts at NewYork-Presbyterian will help you determine which treatment is best for your condition. The general approaches to urologic cancer treatment include:
- Surgery - Doctors may be able to surgically remove cancerous tumors in organs such as the bladder and kidney. Our experienced surgeons use advanced techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery.
- Chemotherapy - These treatments use strong drugs or chemicals to kill fast-growing cells. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, or on its own, for most cancer types.
- Radiation therapy - This treatment uses high-dose X-rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used before or after surgery.
- Immunotherapy - Different types of immunotherapies help the body's immune system fight cancer. Immunotherapy may be an option for kidney and prostate cancer.
- Targeted therapy - These treatments attack a weak point in the cancer's ability to multiply. They may be given alone or combined with chemotherapy, with options available for different urologic cancer types.
In addition to treating your individual urologic cancer, at NewYork-Presbyterian we bring together clinicians from different specialties and departments to ensure that you are receiving care for your whole body and mind, not just your cancer. As our patient, you are connected to hospital services that can help with all of your medical needs, including managing side effects and nutrition.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Urologic Cancer Treatment
Call today to make an appointment with one of our top-ranked cancer care specialists. Our team is able to provide advanced treatment for all cancer types, including cancers of the brain, breast, colon, blood, and lungs.