Comprehensive Treatment for Urologic Cancers

When patients choose The Armes Family Cancer Care Center at Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) for expert cancer care, they can rest assured that an entire team is fighting for their recovery and well-being. For urologic cancers, including the bladder, kidney, prostate and testicular, patients receive a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care, determining the most effective treatment that may include a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery. Patients will receive personalized support from oncology nurse navigators and financial advocates, answering questions and providing help through every aspect of care for the following types of urologic cancer. Learn more about our urology physicians.

Specialized Bladder Cancer Care at BVHS

As one of the most frequently treated urologic cancers at BVHS, our team of specially-trained urologists diagnose and treat bladder cancer that generally begins in the urothelial cells, including the bladder, kidneys and tubes that connect them, called ureters. Bladder cancer is very treatable, especially when detected early. Symptoms of bladder cancer may include blood in your urine, back pain or frequent or painful urination. If you or a loved one are experiencing any changes in your urine color or urine output, see your doctor right away to determine the cause. 

For an accurate diagnosis, the BHVS urology team may order an initial cystoscopy to look inside the bladder with a small scope or a biopsy to evaluate the presence of cancerous cells. For treatment, our team may perform a robotic partial cystectomy to remove the cancerous growth. Other treatments for urologic cancers, including bladder cancer, may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy or more comprehensive oncology surgery.   

Kidney Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of kidney cancer is increasing in numbers, partly because of early detection with computerized tomography (CT), which uses advanced technology to detect diseases and injuries. Generally, kidney cancer doesn’t show signs of symptoms, but like with other urologic cancers, if you or a loved one are experiencing any urine color or output changes, see your doctor as soon as possible. 

Kidney cancer includes renal cell kidney cancer, ureteral cancer with abnormal growth in the lining of the ureters and upper tract urothelial carcinoma cancer. Our team has expertise in all aspects of urologic cancers, so you can count on the urology team at BVHS to take care of your specific needs. 

If a kidney mass is detected, our team may perform a biopsy to determine cell growth and cancer stage, followed by cryoablation which uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy cancer cells or robotic partial or radical nephrectomy to remove the cancerous growth surgically. Using a minimally invasive robotic approach, our team can utilize much smaller incisions for improved healing and faster recovery.

Prostate Cancer Expertise  

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers detected in men, but can be cured with accurate diagnosis and treatment expertise. Treatment is most effective when detected early. Therefore, it is critical to see a urologist at the first signs of urinary issues. Men with symptoms such as weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination or the sudden urge to urinate should see their doctor right away for a PSA test and physical exam. 

With extensive treatments for prostate cancer, our team performs biopsies, hormone therapy, radiation and specialized brachytherapy for prostate cancer, a form of radiation therapy that places radiation directly in the prostate gland so healthy surrounding tissue is spared from the effects of treatment. 

In addition, our team monitors prostate health with PSA screening tests, generally every 2 to 4 years. This prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test detects high cancerous and noncancerous proteins that indicate prostate cancer. With high PSA levels or a physical exam, your doctor may order a biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer accurately.     

Testicular Cancer Care at BVHS

While rare, testicular cancer is treated with expertise by our urology team at BVHS. It is the number one cancer detected in males between the ages of 15 and 35, so it is critical to monitor any changes or the presence of abnormal testicular growth. A testicular lump can be found during a routine health examination by your primary care physician. Males can also perform self-checks to look and feel for any hard lumps or nodules. The most common symptoms of testicular cancer include pain or discomfort or a lump or enlargement in either testicle.

If a testicular lump is found, our team will use various testicular cancer treatments, including chemotherapy or a radical orchiectomy, to remove testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is highly treatable, so talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have about your testicular or urologic health. 

Learn More About Urologic Cancer Prevention

Most importantly for urologic cancer prevention, see a urology specialist if you or a loved one notices any changes in urine or urinary function, or if you detect any lumps or changes to your body through self-examination. Our urology team at BVHS is here to help, including screening tests such as urinalysis and PSA tests.   

The Armes Family Cancer Care Center is an outpatient department of Blanchard Valley Hospital.