Urologic (Genitourinary) Cancer Care
Leading-edge diagnosis and treatment for cancer of the urinary system
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Genitourinary Oncology Expertise in Boston
Specialists in the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Cancer Center promptly diagnose and effectively treat urologic cancers. Another term for this type of cancer is genitourinary cancers.
Our multidisciplinary Genitourinary Cancer Program team works together to provide a customized treatment plan for you. We will continue to work with you after treatment to minimize any ongoing side effects, including those related to sexual health and bladder function. Our mission is to treat urologic cancers effectively while optimizing your quality of life.
Types of Genitourinary (GU) Cancers
Genitourinary (GU) cancers develop in the male and female urinary systems, and in the male reproductive system. Our urologic specialists are experts at treating the full range of GU cancers:
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
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Penile cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Urethral cancer
Screening & Diagnosis
Your GU cancer care team will use a combination of these tests to diagnose your cancer:
- Urine tests
- Cystoscopy (using a thin, flexible tube to see inside the body)
- Biopsy
- Imaging tests
Treatments We Offer
Together, we develop a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan in our multidisciplinary clinic:
- Reflects your unique needs
- Offers you the best possible outcomes
- Provides you the optimal quality of life
The specific treatment for urologic cancer varies depending on the particular type of urologic cancer you have. If you have low-risk prostate or kidney cancer, we offer active surveillance to closely monitor any changes in your cancer before beginning treatment.
If your care team recommends treatment, it will likely include some combination of these steps:
Specialty Cancer Programs
The BIDMC Genitourinary Cancer Program offers special multidisciplinary programs for patients with prostate cancer or kidney cancer. These programs bring together experts from all the specialty areas you need to get the best care available.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
BIDMC Urology is a national leader in the latest minimally invasive (robotic or laparoscopic) urologic surgical procedures. Even if you have a complex or large tumor, we may be able to offer you these options. Minimally invasive procedures have many benefits:
- Minimize pain and blood loss
- Shorten the length of hospital stays
- Reduce recovery times
- Similar cure rates as open surgery
We are national leaders in minimally invasive surgery to treat many types of GU cancers:
More About Urologic Cancer Care
You may qualify for one of our extensive clinical trials. We continuously begin new research studies to find better treatments for cancer patients based on the latest clinical data from around the world. We are committed to offering you the latest effective treatment available.
We provide supportive care to help you manage symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatments. We also offer ongoing survivorship services during and after treatment, as well as these services:
Your urologic cancer care team consists of experts across many specialty areas at BIDMC. Depending on your needs, you may see these and other highly trained specialists:
- Urologic surgeons
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Pathologists
- Radiologists
- Registered nurses
- Nutritionists
- Oncology social workers
Cancer Programs
Our oncologists offer effective cancer services including treatment options for all types of cancer and stages of cancer.
Advancing Care, Research & Education
Cancer Center
The Cancer Center is renowned for exceptional cancer care and for pioneering discoveries in cancer treatment.
Cancer Research Institute
The Cancer Research Institute is an interdisciplinary center focused on understanding cancer with the goal of curing it.
Cancer Education & Training
The Cancer Center offers comprehensive education and training opportunities for residents, fellows and researchers.
