Urologic Cancers
405-271-6452
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405-271-6500
OU Physicians at Edmond
Successfully Treating the Most Complex Cases
Cancer is a frightening diagnosis for anyone. OU Physicians urologists give you the peace of mind of knowing you will have access to the most advanced and innovative techniques available for treating cancer. In fact, many who can't be helped elsewhere come to us. Our physicians offer both surgical and medical treatments for all forms of urologic cancers including:
Prostate Cancer
As with most cancers, early detection of prostate cancer is the key to successful treatment. To increase the chance of early detection, men between the ages of 40 to 75 should see an OU Physicians urologist for a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and digital rectal examination (DRE). However, if you have any of the symptoms below at any age, schedule an appointment with one of our urologists for an evaluation.
Symptoms
- Dull pain in the lower pelvic area
- Frequent urination
- Inability to urinate
- Pain or burning during urination
- Weakened urine flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- General pain in lower back, hips or upper thighs
- Loss of appetite and/or weight
- Persistent bone pain
Treatment Options
OU Physicians urologists have specific expertise to determine the best treatment option for prostate cancer patients. This may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery. In general, surgical options are best performed on patients with cancer in the early stages. Our urologists offer the following surgical treatments for prostate cancer:
- Nerve-sparing prostatectomy -- removal of the prostate without damaging nerves needed for erection
- Cryotherapy -- freezing of the prostate often used for those who have recurrent cancer following previous radiation therapy
- Robotic prostatectomy -- a computer-enhanced, minimally invasive surgery
Testicular Cancer
Symptoms
If you have any of the symptoms listed below, see an OU Physicians urologist immediately for evaluation as tumors can spread quickly:
- Lump or firm area in the testicle
- Swelling or enlargement
- Pain or tenderness
Treatment Options
The most common initial treatment is surgical removal of the testicle. OU Physicians urologists may follow this treatment with radiation, chemotherapy or additional surgery.
Bladder Cancer
Symptoms
See an OU Physicians urologist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
Treatment Options
OU Physicians urologists offer the following treatment options for bladder cancer:
- Transurethral Resection of the Bladder (TURBT) to surgically remove the tumor
- Chemotherapy or Intravesical Immunotherapy to prevent recurrence
- Cystectomy -- surgical removal of the bladder followed up by urinary tract reconstruction. An OU Physicians urologist is one of only a few physicians in Oklahoma City able to offer patients the option of a neobladder (new bladder constructed of intestinal tissue that functions similarly to a normal bladder). This is an option to treatments requiring you to wear a urine collection bag.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney tumors do not produce symptoms, so it is important for people in high risk categories to have routine screenings:
Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Family history of kidney cancer
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Chronic kidney failure and/or dialysis
- Diet with high caloric intake of fried/sauteed meat
- Low vitamin E intake
- Diuretic use
- Von Hippel Lindau disease
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Exposure to asbestos, blast furnaces and ovens used in iron/steel manufacturing
Treatment Options
As with any cancer, the course of treatment depends on the size and scope of the cancer. OU Physicians urologists offer several surgical treatment options, including the following minimally invasive procedures:
- Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy -- removal of the portion of the kidney affected by the tumor allowing patients to avoid dialysis
- Laparoscopic nephrectomy -- removal of the entire affected kidney
- Laparoscopic nephroureterectomy -- removal of the kidney and ureter when cancer has spread
- Laparoscopic cryotherapy -- freezing of the tumor to destroy it
Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is a rare disease that involves the growth of malignant cells on the external skin and in the tissues of the penis. If left untreated, penile cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
Treatment Options
OU Physicians urologists are specially trained to determine which of the following treatment options are best for patients with penile cancer:
- Medication
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery and radiation therapy
- Amputation of all or part of the penis
Adrenal Gland Cancer
Cancers of the adrenal gland are very rare, most often occurring in young men or women. A blood test of hormone levels can determine if a patient has adrenal gland cancer. OU Physicians urologists may utilize MRI and CT scans to determine the extent of the disease.
Symptoms
- High blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Excess body hair
- Weakening of the bones
- Diabetes
- Headache
- Palpitations
- Excessive perspiration
Treatment Options
OU Physicians urologists usually utilize laparoscopy to remove the tumor. Chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be prescribed following surgery.