Urologic Oncology
Kidney Cancer (Renal Cell Carcinoma):
Approximately 30,000 new kidney cancer cases occur in the United States every year. The most common kidney cancer is called renal cell carcinoma.
Most are found when a patient is undergoing a CAT Scan or Ultrasound for some unrelated reason. They can also be diagnosed if an evaluation is initiated because of blood being found in the urine. This cancer is life threatening if it metastasizes. Aggressive surgical treatment of this cancer can result in a long term cure. This cancer typically does not respond to treatment with chemotherapy or radiation. The urologists at the New York Urologic Institute are trained to surgically remove these cancer through minimal incisions with laparascopic assistance. Select patients may also be candidates for partial laparoscopic nephrectomy (nephron sparring) or laparoscopically assisted freezing of the cancer (cryotherapy). Honest and knowledgeable consultations are available by appointment.
Bladder Cancer (Transition Cell Carcinoma):
Approximately 55,000 new bladder cancer cases occur in the United States every year. The most common bladder cancer is called transition cell carcinoma.
This common cancer is usually discovered when an evaluation is initiated because blood is found in the urine. The blood could visible when the person urinates or it could be found under the microscope during a routine urine analysis. The urologist will discover the bladder cancer while performing a cystoscopy. Most of these cancers can be treated with specialized instruments that are inserted through the water channel (urethra). No incisions are necessary in these procedures and they are usually performed on an ambulatory basis. Because these tumors have a tendency to recur, surveillance cystoscopy and urine analysis are necessary for the entire life of the bladder cancer patient.
Testes Tumors:
This is the most common solid malignancy of men in their 20’s and 30’s.It represents one of the success stories of modern day cancer treatments.
The majority of these cancers are curable with a high expectation of long term survival. All men are encouraged to perform a monthly testicular self exam.
If any abnormality or change in size or shape of the testicle is felt to be present it is very important to have it investigated as soon as possible.
Typically a physical examination and a simple testicular ultrasound are all that are required. If a testicular cancer is suspected the testicle is removed through an incision in the groin. These surgeries are performed on an ambulatory surgery basis. If it becomes necessary excellent chemotherapy is available to treat this cancer.
Honest and knowledgeable consultations are available by appointment.
Prostate Cancer:
This is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. It is the second most common cause of cancer related deaths. There are 180,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed each year in the United States alone.
PSA screening and acquired understanding of the complex anatomy of the prostate have revolutionized its treatment. PSA is a protein that is normally produced by the healthy prostate gland. If its level is elevated prostate cancer could be the cause. Benign prostate enlargement and prostatic infections (prostatitis) can cause elevation in the PSA as well. With a first degree relative with prostate cancer (father, brother) prostate cancer screening should begin at 40 years of age. All others should undergo annual screening starting at 50 years of age. Screening includes a history, digital rectal examination and blood test measures of PSA. Abnormalities in the rectal examination or in the PSA level will often prompt a biopsy of the prostate. A prostate biopsy is the only way to tell what is the cause of the PSA elevation. The biopsies are performed under ultrasound guidance on an ambulatory basis. If detected early this cancer can be effectively treated with surgery (radical prostatectomy) or radiation. The radiation can be administered externally (external beam radiation) or by implantation of radioactive seeds (brachytherapy). The recommendation for treatment is individualized for each person based on multiple factors. The surgeons at The New York Urologic Institute are highly experienced and tuned to the needs of the individuals diagnosed with this cancer. Honest and knowledgeable consultations are available by appointment.
This way recurrences can be discovered early. This cancer can become life threatening. Therefore, if the cancer is desplaying behavior that places it at high risk for metastasizing the bladder needs to be removed (radical cystectomy) as a life saving measure. The urinary tract is then reconstructed. One method of reconstruction involves the urine collecting in a bag that is glued to the side of the abdomen (ileal conduit). Alternatively, modern surgeries allow for a continent reservoir to be created after the bladder is removed (Studer pouch; continent urinary diversion). No bags are then necessary and the individual can urinate in a manner that approximates normal urination. The surgeons at the New York Urologic Institute are trained to perform these complicated procedures that can be lifesaving and maximize the chances of restoring a high quality lifestyle. Honest and knowledgeable consultations are available by appointment.