Within the body, cells normally grow in an orderly fashion. But when they grow uncontrollably, they can form a growth or tumor, a mass of abnormal or cancerous cells. Cancer cells are dangerous because they can destroy the normal cells around them.
A cancerous growth of cells may be limited to one place. Or the cancer can spread, invading and destroying the cells of other organs and body parts. This is called “metastatic cancer.” “Metastasize” means to spread; cancer that has “metastasized” has spread to other parts of the body. The more aggressive the cancer, the further and faster it spreads.
Urological Cancers
Cancer can develop in any organ of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. As with other forms of cancer, the earlier a urological cancer is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment, that is, removing it before it becomes aggressive and spreads.
Further, not all abnormal masses of cells are cancerous. A biopsy (removing a small sample of tissue so the cells can be examined with a microscope) will determine if a tumor is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).
That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms of urological cancer and see your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of them. Of course, most symptoms have several possible causes. Only a medical examination can determine if the actual cause is cancer or another condition. Seeing your doctor can ease your fears.
The Best of Care
Our specialists are members of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center team at the University of Rochester Medical Center and are making great strides in the treatment and prevention of cancer. We are committed to providing outstanding care by offering the latest and most effective therapies in a compassionate setting and to helping our patients be successful in the fight against cancer.
Information about Specific Urological Cancers
- Adrenal Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Penile Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Urethral Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
The Best Care…
The staff of the Genitourinary Oncology Program at the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients with urologic cancers.