reviewing physician charts

Prostate, Bladder & Kidney Malignancy

Prostate malignancy, or prostate cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. It often grows slowly and may initially cause no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they can include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, and discomfort in the pelvic area. Risk factors include age, family history, and genetic mutations. Treatment options vary based on the cancer’s stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prostate cancer can cause various symptoms as it progresses. Common symptoms include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Weak or interrupted urine flow
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Blood in urine or semen
  • Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs

Prostate malignancy, or prostate cancer, is influenced by several risk factors including age, with higher risk in older men, family history of prostate or other cancers, genetic mutations, and hormonal imbalances such as high testosterone levels. Lifestyle factors like diet and obesity also contribute to the risk. While the exact cause remains unknown, these factors increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer treatment depends on the cancer stage and patient health. Options include active surveillance for slow-growing cancer, surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy to target cancer cells, hormone therapy to block testosterone, chemotherapy for advanced cancer, and immunotherapy to boost the immune system’s response. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific condition and needs.

Bladder cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the bladder grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often starts in the urothelial cells lining the bladder. Common symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, and pain during urination. Risk factors include smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and chronic bladder inflammation. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

Bladder cancer symptoms often include:

  • Blood in the urine (hematuria), which may cause urine to appear red or brown
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain or burning sensation during urination
  • Urgent need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
  • Pelvic pain

Bladder cancer can be caused by several factors, including smoking, which introduces harmful chemicals into the bladder. Occupational exposure to certain industrial chemicals, chronic bladder inflammation, and previous radiation therapy or chemotherapy can also increase risk. Genetic mutations and family history play a role, as well as age and gender, with older males being more susceptible.

Bladder cancer treatments depend on the stage and health of the patient. Options include surgery to remove tumors or the bladder, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, radiation therapy to target cancer, immunotherapy to enhance the immune response, and intravesical therapy that delivers treatment directly into the bladder. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual’s specific condition to ensure the best outcomes.

Kidney cancer, also known as renal cancer, originates in the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste from the blood and producing urine. Common symptoms include blood in the urine, persistent pain in the side, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of the disease. Treatment options vary based on the cancer’s stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Kidney cancer often presents with various symptoms, including:

  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent pain in the side or back
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • A lump or mass in the abdomen

Kidney cancer can be caused by several factors, including smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure. Genetic conditions such as von Hippel-Lindau disease also increase the risk. Occupational exposure to certain chemicals, long-term dialysis, and a family history of kidney cancer can contribute to its development. Age and gender, with older males being more susceptible, also play a role.

Treatment for kidney cancer depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. Options include surgery to remove part or all of the kidney, targeted therapy, immunotherapy to boost the immune response against cancer, and radiation therapy. In some cases, active surveillance is recommended. Advanced cases may require a combination of treatments.

Portrait of Dr. Daniel Parker, smiling and dressed in a light gray suit with a white shirt and green tie, standing against a dark background.

Get to Know Dr. Daniel Parker

An experienced urologic oncologist in Oklahoma City, Dr. Parker is committed to improving the lives of his patients.


SOURCE: https://bcan.org/
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/p/prostate-cancer
https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-cancer