Genitourinary cancer is a term describing a group of cancers that affect the urinary system and reproductive systems. These cancers can arise from the cells that line the organs or the cells that produce hormones, and they can cause a range of symptoms depending on their location and stage. They can develop in the tissues that make up these organs and spread to other body parts if not treated. This condition can affect both men and women. Early detection and timely treatment of Phoenix genitourinary cancer can improve outcomes and increase the chances of survival for patients with genitourinary cancer. Fortunately, Arizona Center for Cancer Care offers various cancer treatments that can restore your quality of life. They include:
Radiation therapy
This therapy kills cancer cells by subjecting them to high-energy radiation. Your doctor can deliver it externally from a machine outside your body or internally by placing radioactive sources inside your body near the cancer site. Radiation therapy may cause side effects such as fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in urinary or bowel function. However, they are usually temporary; you can manage them with medication.
Ablation
Ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that destroys cancerous tissue through heat or cold energy. This technique is effective for early-stage prostate, kidney, and liver tumors. During the procedure, your surgeon uses ultrasound or other imaging techniques to guide a needle or probe to the tumor site precisely and delivers energy, which destroys the cancerous tissue. Your doctor may recommend ablation if you are not eligible for surgery due to other medical conditions. It also has fewer complications and shorter recovery times than traditional surgery.
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy involves using drugs to identify and attack cancer cells based on certain genetic mutations or abnormal proteins that are not present in normal cells. These drugs block the activity of these proteins, preventing cancer cells from dividing and growing. Targeted therapies may also stimulate your immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a cancer therapy that aims to boost your body’s immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. In the case of genitourinary cancer, immunotherapy has shown promising results in treating advanced-stage bladder, kidney, prostate, and testicular cancers. These inhibitors block certain proteins in cancer cells that deter your immune system from recognizing and attacking them, allowing it to attack the cancer cells more effectively.
Hormone therapy
Hormone therapy involves using medications to block or reduce the levels of certain hormones in your body, which can prevent the growth of certain types of cancer cells. The therapy is most effective in treating prostate and bladder cancer. These cancers often rely on hormones such as testosterone to grow and spread, so blocking the production or action of these hormones can be an effective way to treat them. When treating prostate cancer, your doctor may combine hormone therapy with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.
If you have genitourinary cancer, call the Arizona Center for Cancer Care office or use the online scheduling button to create an appointment for treatment.
