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Genitourinary Cancer InformationCancer is one of the most feared diseases. The word is so disturbing that some people to not want to hear it said, particularly if it refers to someone they love. Alternative terms are "malignancy" or malignant tumor, or simply "tumor", which means swelling or mass. What is Cancer?Most cancers (but not all) cause a mass or tumor. Basically, a cancer is an abnormality of a cell or cells (the basic building blocks of our body) that results in continued growth. Our cells are controlled by genes- messages in DNA that regulate every action and production. DNA can be damaged or, unfortunately, can carry messages that result in cancer by producing unregulated cell growth or, perhaps even more importantly, defective cell death. Yes, our cells are programmed to die, and if a group of cells stubbornly refuse to die, cancer may result.What does Cancer do?Increased growth of cells or decreased death typically causes a tumor or mass. Exceptions are blood (hematologic) cancers where there are increased numbers of cells in the circulation but no "lump"or mass. In Urology (the surgical specialty that deals with the genitourinary (reproductive and, well, you know what urinary is…) an example of a cancer that can exist without producing a mass is "Carcinoma in Situ" (CIS) which means a cancer that is "in place," i.e. has not moved. CIS of the bladder and CIS of the testis are early malignancies that have not grown to point of producing a mass or invading.What is Invasion?Among the many characteristics of cancer cells, invasion is the ability to infiltrate or spread into surrounding normal tissue. Cancer cells can react with and change the supportive tissue or "stroma" between cells, move in and, like weeds, replace the normal cells. The depth of invasion is important- the deeper the cancer the more difficult it is to remove. Depth of invasion is used to "stage" cancers. Treatments and expected results (prognosis) vary according to stage.Invasion usually preceeds metastasis or distant spread of cancer. What is Metastasis?Metastasis, distant spread through the blood stream or lymphatic system, is what early treatment is designed to prevent. Once the tumor has spread to other organs "systemic" (throughout the body) treatment, usually cytotoxic (cell-killing) chemotherapy (drugs) is needed. Other systemic treatments include hormone therapy, as used in prostate cancer, immunotherapy, as used in kidney cancer, and gene and "targeted" therapy (specific molecules that, for example, block growth hormones that promote tumor enlargement.What Symptoms do Cancers Cause?The general signs and symptoms of cancer include unexplained weight loss, fever, fatique, pain, changes in skin, bleeding, and a lump or tumor (mass). The signs and symptoms depend on the kind of cancer and its location. For urologic tumors the most common symptoms are a decrease in the force of urinary stream, increased frequency of urination during the day and night (nocturia). These are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer, but are more commonly caused by benign (non-malignant) growth of the prostate, so called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Prostate cancer, like many other cancers, does not generally cause symptoms when it is small and curable, so screening with a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam ("finger wave") is needed.The most common symptom with bladder cancer and kidney cancer is seeing blood in the urine (gross- visible- hematuria) or finding blood in the urine by microscopic examination (microscopic hematuria). Bladder cancer can also cause frequency of urination and burning on urination (dysuria). Kidney cancer is now most commonly found when imaging studies (Xrays, Cat scans, MRI's, or ultrasounds) are done for other reasons. Kidney cancer can cause abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, anemia (low blood count), fever, and a wide variety of symptoms. Testis cancer is found most often as a lump or mass within the testis, but can also cause swelling of the breasts, weight loss, and abdominal mass. Find out More:
Created: 3/15/2005 | Updated: 11/3/2005
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Home | Meet Dr. Lamm | About Us | Common Questions | Office Visit | e-Consultation Cancer Information | Symptoms | Treatment & Prevention | Research | Forms | For Physicians BCG Oncology, PC | 3815 E. Bell Road | Phoenix, AZ 85032 | PH (602) 493-6626 | FX (602) 996-1383 Copyright © 2009 BCG Oncology, PC. All rights reserved. Medical content authored by Donald L. Lamm, M.D., unless otherwise noted. |
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The information available on and through the BCGOncology.com Web site is presented in summary form as a supplement to, and NOT a substitute for, the knowledge, skill, and judgment of qualified physicians and health care professionals. The information on BCGOncology.com has been obtained from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. However, BCG Oncology, PC makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of this information. Information accessed on or through BCGOncology.com is neither complete nor exhaustive and does not cover all disabilities, diseases, illnesses, and physical conditions or their management or treatment. Information accessed on and through BCGOncology.com is provided "AS IS" and without warranty, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose. View our terms of use for more information. Donald L. Lamm, MD is licensed to practice medicine in the state of Arizona, only. |