What is Urological Oncology (Uro-oncology) and What Diseases Does it Treat?

Urologic oncology (uro-oncology) is a subspecialty of urology that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancers originating from the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. This field includes prostate cancer, bladder (urinary bladder) cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, adrenal (adrenal gland) cancer, and penile cancer. It provides personalized care through a multidisciplinary approach and offers comprehensive evaluation for all urologic cancers.

What is Urological Oncology (Uro-oncology)?

Urological oncology (uro-oncology) is a sub-branch of urology that deals with the early diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and follow-up of tumors originating from the urinary tract and male reproductive system. This field manages the entire process, from the patient's initial admission to long-term follow-up, in coordination with the oncology unit.

Following the assessment of symptoms and risks, uro-oncology performs diagnosis using screening tests, laboratory examinations, advanced imaging methods, endoscopic evaluations, and biopsies when deemed necessary. Treatment methods include minimally invasive, robotic, or open surgery, and radiotherapy if required.

Uro-oncology operates with a multidisciplinary approach; It works in coordination with departments such as urology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, nuclear medicin In this way, the aim is to achieve both treatment effectiveness and patient quality of life goals. 

Fill out the form to get information.

What Diseases Does Urological Oncology (Uro-oncology) Treat?

Urological oncology (uro-oncology) diagnoses, plans treatment for, and monitors tumors that arise in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. This field works with a multidisciplinary approach to detect the disease early, stage it correctly, and choose methods that will preserve the quality of life. The main diseases treated by urological oncology are:

Prostate Cancer 

It is one of the most common urological cancers in men. It is usually slow-progressing and may not show symptoms in the early stages. Uro-oncology manages the entire process from the evaluation of suspicious findings to biopsy and staging, and long-term recurrence monitoring.

Bladder Cancer

Painless blood in the urine is the most common symptom; frequent urination, sudden urgency, and a burning sensation may also accompany it. Smoking is the most important risk factor. The uro-oncology team creates personalized monitoring plans based on the risk of recurrence, including regular check-ups and, if necessary, intravesical (intravenous) treatments.

Kidney Cancer

Kidney cancer may not initially show any symptoms. It may be detected incidentally during imaging or may be noticed through symptoms such as flank pain or blood in the urine. The size and location of the tumor determine the treatment approach. The evaluation of all options, including organ-preserving approaches, is the field of urological oncology.

Testicular Cancer

It is more common in young men and has a high treatment success rate with early diagnosis. It is usually noticed with a unilateral, painless swelling. If necessary, fertility-preserving options such as sperm freezing are also discussed.

Penile Cancer

It is rare but can be treated when detected at an early stage. Uro-oncology evaluation and treatment also aim to preserve function and appearance.

Urinary Tract (Urethra) Cancer

It is a rare but potentially progressive cancer that can occur in both women and men. Burning, difficulty urinating, discharge, or blood may be seen during urination. Endoscopy and imaging methods are used for diagnosis. Treatment may be a combination of surgery, medication, and/or radiation therapy, depending on the location and extent of the tumor

Adrenal Gland Cancers

Some masses can secrete excess hormones, leading to symptoms such as high blood pressure, palpitations, and weight changes. Hormone tests and imaging are evaluated together for diagnosis. Surgery is often the main treatment.

What Diagnostic Methods Are Used in Urological Oncology?

Diagnostic methods used in urological oncology encompass a wide range, from laboratory tests to advanced imaging techniques and biopsies. In this field, early diagnosis directly affects the course of the disease and the success of treatment. Therefore, accurate and timely diagnostic evaluations are of great importance.

The diagnostic process usually begins with a detailed patient history and physical examination. In cases of suspected prostate cancer, a digital rectal examination is performed, while in testicular tumors, the presence of a mass is investigated by manual examination. This initial assessment is crucial for determining which advanced tests to perform. 

In laboratory tests, the PSA test is quite important. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is the most commonly used marker in prostate cancer screening. High PSA levels can increase the likelihood of prostate cancer, but they can also be elevated in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Urinalysis, on the other hand, allows for the microscopic examination of cancer cells in the urine in cases of bladder cancer. In addition, imaging methods such as USG, MRI, CT, and PET-CT may be used. 

Some endoscopic methods may also be used in diagnosis. Cystoscopy is the gold standard in diagnosing bladder cancer. The inside of the bladder is visualized with a camera system, and biopsies can be taken from suspicious lesions. Ureteroscopy allows for direct examination of lesions in the ureter and renal pelvis.

Biopsy and pathological examination are used for definitive diagnosis. Prostate biopsy is usually performed under ultrasound guidance. Kidney biopsy is taken with imaging-guided needle biopsy. Bladder biopsy is performed during cystoscopy.

Genetic and molecular tests also come to the forefront in cases of cancer. Today, genetic analyses also play an important role in cancer diagnosis. These tests, which examine DNA mutations, genetic predisposition, and the molecular characteristics of the tumor, guide both diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.

What Treatment Methods Are Used in Urological Oncology?

Today, many modern approaches are used in the treatment of urological cancers, ranging from surgical interventions to radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted smart drugs. In urological oncology, surgery is the primary treatment method for many types of cancer. The main surgical methods applied are as follows:

• Radical prostatectomy: It is the procedure of completely removing the prostate gland in prostate cancer. Today, it offers the advantages of rapid recovery and precise nerve preservation with robotic surgical techniques.
• Nephrectomy: In kidney cancer, it involves removing either the entire kidney (radical nephrectomy) or just the tumor-affected part (partial nephrectomy). It can be performed using laparoscopic or robotic methods.
• Cystectomy: It is the complete or partial removal of the bladder in bladder cancer. When necessary, a new bladder is created to restore urine flow.
• Orchiectomy: It is the removal of the tumorous testicle in testicular cancer. It is an important step in diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to or alongside surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted (smart) therapies, and hormone therapy may also be applied.  

In some early-stage prostate or kidney tumors, active surveillance is preferred when the cancer is progressing slowly. The disease is followed up with regular PSA measurements, imaging, and examinations; surgical or aggressive treatments can be postponed as long as no progression is observed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Urological Oncology (Uro-oncology)

What Does Urological Oncology Mean?

Urological oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in the urogenital system, such as the kidney, bladder, prostate, testicles, and ureter.

What Are Urological Cancers?

Kidney, bladder, prostate, testicular, and ureter cancers are among urological cancers.

Which Department Treats Testicular Cancer?

The Urology Department is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer.

How is Cancer Screening Performed in Men?

Cancer screening in men is generally performed with a PSA test, ultrasound, and physical examination; additional imaging and biopsy methods are used when necessary.