There are several types of urological cancers, some found only in men, and others, in both men and women.
Urological Cancers in Men:
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Penile Cancer
Urological Cancers in Men & Women:
- Bladder Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
There are several types of urological cancers, some found only in men, and others, in both men and women.
Urological Cancers in Men:
Urological Cancers in Men & Women:
The prostate is a crucial organ in the male reproductive system, responsible for producing a fluid that mixes with sperm from the testicles and fluids from other glands in order to produce semen. Unfortunately, prostate cancer is a very common cancer in men – it is the 3rd most common cancer among Singaporean men.
Risk Factors: Men above 50, those with a family history of prostate cancer
Diagnosis: Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – doctor to insert a gloved finger into the
rectum to examine the prostate for pain, size, firmness and spread; prostate biopsy, blood
test, transrectal ultrasound
Treatment: Watchful waiting and observation, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and
hormone therapy
Testicular cancer occurs in the testicles, which are responsible for producing testosterone and sperm for reproduction. Fortunately, testicular cancer is not common, and is also one of the most easily treatable and even curable cancers as well.
Symptoms: A lump or swelling in either testicle, a dull ache or heaviness in the
scrotum.
Risk Factors: An undescended testicle, abnormal testicle development, family history
of testicular cancer, as well as younger age (15 to 35).
Diagnosis: Physical examination, ultrasound, blood tests, imaging scans
Treatment: Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Penile cancer is a very rare cancer that only represents about 0.3% of all cancers in Singapore, according to the Singapore Cancer Registry. It usually occurs in older men (50s to 60s). Though uncommon, it is a terrible disease as patients often present late and primary tumours are often treated by disfiguring penile surgeries that can also render them sexually impotent.
Symptoms: A lump or lesion on the penis, bleeding, foul smelling discharge, difficulty
retracting foreskin
Risk Factors: Human papilloma virus (HPV), smoking, phimosis, poor hygiene, not
having undergone neonatal circumcision
Diagnosis: Blood tests, biopsy – to test for the presence of cancer cells
Treatment: Penectomy (the partial or total removal of the penis), conservative surgical
therapy (better suited for smaller tumours and premalignant lesions)
Bladder cancer is the 9th most common cancer among men in Singapore, and typically occurs in older adults. It is also 5 times more common in men than in women.
Symptoms: Bloody urine, painful urination, pelvic pain, back pain, frequent urination
Risk Factors: Smoking, radiation exposure and toxic chemicals
Diagnosis: Cytoscopy (a fibre-optic tube with a light source is used to look into
the urethra and bladder), biopsy, scans
Treatment: Surgery (removal of unusual growths in the bladder, total removal of
the bladder), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
The main function of the kidneys is to filter and clean blood, as well as produce urine in order to expel waste from the body. The most common type of kidney cancer is renal cell carcinoma, which makes up 90% of all kidney cancer cases.
Symptoms: Blood in urine, a lump or mass in the kidney area, loss of appetite, unexplained
weight loss, pain/ache in your sides, persistent tiredness
Risk Factors: Smoking, being obese, family history of kidney cancer, being male,
having advanced kidney disease
Diagnosis: Urine tests, blood tests, X-ray, ultrasound scan, CT scan
Treatment: Nephrectomy (radical, simple or partial surgical removal of affected
area), cryotherapy, arterial embolization, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiofrequency
treatment
Dr Michael Wong from the International Urology, Fertility & Gynaecology Centre is a highly experienced and accomplished urologist. We provide a wide range of urological services, ranging from diagnostic tests and conservative treatments, to surgical treatments and comprehensive follow-ups. For a detailed and assuring assessment of your urological health, contact us at 6868-1212 today.