Urologic Cancers

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ in the male pelvis that surrounds the urethra (urinary pipe) and produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland and is the most common non-skin cancer in men.

We have one of the most comprehensive prostate cancer programs in the region, offering a full range of treatment options from active surveillance to complex robotic surgeries. Because we perform a high number of robotic prostatectomies—and we were the first to offer numerous advanced radiation therapies—our experience leads to excellent outcomes with fewer side effects for our patients.

The bladder is a hollow organ in the pelvis with flexible, muscular walls. Its primary function is to store urine before it leaves the body. Bladder cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the urinary bladder, typically the urothelium (the lining of the bladder). Bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer in men and the eighth most common cancer in women.

Our urologists use blue light cystoscopy to improve detection and identification of bladder tumors, which may be difficult to see using traditional white light cystoscopy.

The way we treat bladder cancer generally depends on which layers of the bladder tissue are involved. Treatment options may include minimally invasive options, such as endoscopic therapies, or invasive procedures like intravesical therapy.

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist, located on each side of the spine, behind the abdominal organs. The kidneys' function is to filter blood and produce urine, which is then transported to the bladder by the ureters.

Kidney cancer occurs when malignant cells form in the tissues of the kidneys. It's among the ten most common cancers in both men and women, with the most common type of kidney cancer being renal cell carcinoma.

Treatment options will depend on the cancer stage but may need to include surgery to remove the tumor or, in advanced circumstances, the entire kidney. Treatment may also include immunotherapy and medications that act on specific receptors or enzymes to help destroy cancer cells.

The testicles are male reproductive organs that produce male sex hormones and sperm. They are located inside the scrotum, under the penis. Testicular cancer is primarily diagnosed in young adult males between the ages of 15 and 35. However, compared with other types of cancer, testicular cancer is rare. The stage and symptoms of testicular cancer at the time of diagnosis will determine treatment options. Treatment for testicular cancer typically involves removing the affected testicle.

At MedStar Health, your care team involves a variety of experts across different specialties so we can address every physical or emotional need you may have. Here, your team includes physicians who specialize in treating urologic cancer with surgical, radiation, and medical oncology. In addition, your care may involve input from:

• Their surgical and oncological colleagues in other specialties
• Physician assistants and nurse practitioners who focus on urologic cancer care and can help you navigate your appointments
• Nurses who understand your cancer
• Physical therapists
• Genetic counselors
• Enterostomal therapists
• Clinical researchers
• Specialists in palliative care
• And more

You can feel confident knowing that our multidisciplinary team of experts meet weekly to approach your care from every angle. Our singular goal is to treat your cancer, which means we bring in experts from other specialties to help build the best plan for you. We will also bring in experts to help maximize your success, whether that means boosting your nutrition or offering genetic counseling due to your unique family history.

MedStar Health is committed to treating the most unique and diverse populations, which means we are prepared to treat patients with very specific physical, religious, and ethical needs.

We offer bloodless surgery for patients who refuse transfusions by helping to physically prepare them to eliminate the risk of transfusion. We also accommodate obese patients using robotic surgery, complementary nutritional treatments, larger beds, and longer equipment.

Another unique group we serve are patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease or massively enlarged kidneys. Many of these patients end up on dialysis and have a higher risk of kidney cancer. We provide an easier path to transplant by removing the affected kidney. We track this problem closer than many hospitals and health systems, including genetic profiling for children of patients with the disease.