Best Urologic Oncology Specialists Mumbai, India

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Do You Understand About Urological Oncology?

Urological oncology focuses on diagnosing and treating male and female urinary tract cancers and male reproductive organs. Common urologic cancers include kidney, renal pelvic, and bladder cancer for both men and women, and prostate and testicular cancer for men.

2. What Does a Urologic Oncologist Do?

A urologic oncologist specializes in male and female urinary tract and reproductive system cancers. These organs comprise the bladder, prostate, kidneys, and genitalia. An uro-oncologist in Mumbai is different from urologists who focus on all urinary tract diseases and oncologists who deal with all cancer forms.

3. Are Urology and Oncology The Same?

Urology and oncology are not the same but can have an intersecting point. Urology is a branch of medicine that focuses on disorders of the male and female urinary systems and the male reproductive organs.

On the other hand, oncology is the study of cancer and tumors. It focuses on the research, identification, and treatment of all forms of cancer. It focuses on all body elements, including bone, muscle, and organs. Trainees further choose the cancer to specialize in diagnosing and managing, including urologic oncology.

4. Are Urologists Also Oncologists?

Urologists are not oncologists. A urologist focuses on all forms of urinary tract disorders and treats maladies related to the kidney, bladder, urethra, and ureter, including cancer.

On the other hand, an oncologist studies the branch of medicine related to diagnosing, treating, and managing cancers and tumors. Oncologists treat cancer through medication, radiation, or surgery.

Though these fields are different, the specialists need one another to make a comprehensive team. For example, a patient with kidney cancer will simultaneously require a urologist and an oncologist.

Medical advancements allow specialization, and the best uro-oncologist in Mumbai concentrates on cancer of the urinary tract and the male reproductive organs.

5. How Long is a Urologic Oncology Fellowship?

Urologic oncology requires specialized training for two years. The first-year concentrates on clinical training, while the second goes to research. The fellowship allows an optional third year solely for research. A urologist and oncology specialist in Mumbai must have hands-on training for managing genitourinary cancers and contribute to the growing field of research.

6. What are The Symptoms of Urological Cancer?

The symptoms of urological cancer depend on the affected organ. For example, kidney cancer will likely cause continuous back pain below the ribs, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and blood in the urine. Bladder cancer will cause changes in habits, including urinating too frequently or too scarcely and wanting to pee even when your bladder isn't full. A burning sensation when peeing, blood in the urine, fatigue, lower back pain, especially on one side, and swelling in the feet are also likely.

Penile cancer will trigger swelling near the tip of the penis, swollen lymph nodes in the groin, penile discharge that may be foul-smelling, and a change in the penis skin color or thickness.

7. What are The Two Most Common Cancers That Urologists See?

Urologic cancers are all malignancies related to the kidneys, bladder, prostate, penis, and testicles. A urologist will commonly treat kidney and bladder conditions in both men and women and the prostate in men.

Penile cancer is less frequent and occurs due to aging, poor hygiene, and HPV infection. Testicular cancer affects younger men and has steadily risen in the last few decades, though the triggers are unclear.

Urologists work with oncologists who treat the cancers through radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.

8. When Should I Meet a Urologist?

A urologist treats all conditions related to the urinary tract and male genitalia. You should see a urologist if you experience any of these challenges:

• Trouble urinating, peeing too often, pain or discomfort, or cloudy/ bloody urine.
• Trouble getting or maintaining an erection.
• Random trouble controlling urination, such as at night or when sneezing
• Pain in the pelvic region
• Infertility

Not all issues point to cancer, and other urologists deal with pediatrics, kidney transplants, male infertility, and genitourinary reconstruction.

9. Are Urological Cancers Treatable?

There are numerous cancer treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy, cryoablation, and targeted therapy. Each of these treatments' success depends on the cancer type and stage, age, and personal health. Cancer detected early will be easier to treat, and a physically fit patient will recover better.

Moreover, pre-existing conditions will affect how you adjust to treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Cancer treatment will rely on personal work beyond treatment, including embracing a healthy diet, a workout lifestyle, and a positive mindset.

10. Are Urological Cancers Hereditary?

Most urological cancers can be attributed to unhealthy habits like smoking and environmental factors like exposure to toxins. Though rare, hereditary factors do play a role in the manifestation of cancer and the likelihood of transference. Studies indicate that genetic factors account for 5-10% of the risk of all tumors.

Technological advancements have led to molecular genetic testing, which diagnoses any molecular mutations responsible for the autosomal dominant pattern that increases cancer risk. It is worth noting that the risk of getting cancer is hereditary, not the disease itself.