Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is cancer that develops in the lining of the kidney or ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). Key symptoms often include blood in the urine. While smoking and certain chemical exposures are common risk factors, treatment typically involves surgery, and lifestyle changes like quitting smoking are crucial.

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

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Peyronie's disease is when scar tissue forms inside the penis, causing a curve or bend, pain during erection, and sometimes shortening. It often results from minor injury. While some cases improve naturally, treatments like medication or surgery can help manage symptoms and improve function.

Peyronies' disease

An adrenal mass is a growth found on one of your small adrenal glands, located above your kidney. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and found by chance, causing no symptoms. However, some may produce excess hormones or, less commonly, be cancerous. A doctor will evaluate it to determine its nature and guide appropriate care, which might include monitoring or removal.

Adrenal Mass

Kidney cysts are common, fluid-filled sacs that can form in the kidneys. Many are harmless, cause no symptoms, and require no treatment. Others may need monitoring or intervention if they grow large, cause pain, or affect kidney function. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle generally supports kidney health.

Kidney cysts

A renal (kidney) mass is a growth found on your kidney. While often discovered incidentally with no symptoms, some may cause back pain or blood in urine. These masses can be benign (non-cancerous, like a cyst) or cancerous, and their treatment approach, which may involve monitoring or removal, depends on careful diagnosis. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always beneficial for kidney well-being.

Renal (Kidney) Mass

Kidney surgery involves various procedures to treat conditions like kidney stones, tumors, or chronic kidney disease, or for kidney donation. It may involve removing, repairing, or transplanting a kidney. Your care team will explain what to expect and guide your recovery and long-term kidney health.

Kidney Surgery

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in your kidneys, often causing severe back or side pain and sometimes blood in the urine. They can be linked to dehydration or diet. While painful, many pass with increased fluids, or medical procedures may be needed for larger stones. Staying well-hydrated is crucial for prevention.

Kidney stones

Post-operative kidney stones are new or existing kidney stones that cause symptoms after surgery, often resulting in severe back or side pain. They can form due to factors like changes in fluid balance, immobility, or residual stone fragments from previous treatments. Management typically involves pain control and procedures to remove the stone; maintaining good hydration is crucial for prevention and recovery.

Post Operative Kidney Stones

The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test is a blood test commonly used to screen for prostate cancer. While higher PSA levels can suggest prostate cancer, they can also be due to other prostate problems. It's vital to discuss with your doctor if screening is right for you, considering your age, health, and family history, to understand potential benefits and risks.

PSA, Prostate Cancer Screening

Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, affecting the walnut-sized prostate gland. Early stages often have no symptoms, though risk increases with age and family history. Treatment options vary, from active surveillance to surgery or radiation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be beneficial.

Prostate Cancer

Robotic prostatectomy is a surgical procedure primarily used to treat prostate cancer by precisely removing the prostate gland. This minimally invasive approach utilizes a robotic system, allowing surgeons enhanced precision through small incisions, often leading to quicker recovery and less discomfort compared to open surgery.

Robotic Prostatectomy

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, means blood is present, either visible (pink/red/brown) or microscopic. While often caused by treatable conditions like infections or kidney stones, it's crucial to see a doctor to identify the underlying cause and determine the best approach. Staying well-hydrated can sometimes help prevent certain contributing factors.

Blood in the urine

Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC) is bladder cancer found only on the bladder's inner lining, not deep into its muscle. Often, the first sign is blood in your urine (hematuria). Smoking is a major risk factor. Treatment typically involves removing the tumor and sometimes placing medication directly into the bladder to prevent its return. Quitting smoking is vital for better health and outcomes.

Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (NMIBC)

Muscle invasive bladder cancer means cancer has grown into the deep layers of the bladder wall, often causing blood in urine, with smoking being a key risk factor. Treatment usually involves a cystectomy (bladder removal) to eliminate the cancer, requiring creation of a new path for urine. Quitting smoking is vital for overall health and recovery.

Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer and Bladder Removal (Cystectomy)

Stoma care is the essential daily management of a surgically created opening (stoma) on the abdomen, typically for waste elimination. It involves meticulous cleaning, proper pouching, and skin protection to prevent irritation and infection. With education and routine, people with stomas can maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

Stoma Care

Post-operative instructions are vital guidelines provided after surgery to guide your safe and effective recovery. They detail wound care, medication schedules, activity restrictions, and important signs to watch for, all designed to promote healing and prevent complications. Diligently following these instructions is essential for a smooth and successful recuperation.

Post Operative Instructions

Testicular cancer is a treatable cancer that begins in the testicles, often appearing as a painless lump, swelling, or heaviness in the scrotum. While its exact causes are unclear (an undescended testicle is a known risk factor), it's highly curable, especially when caught early. Treatment typically involves surgery, sometimes with chemotherapy or radiation, making self-awareness and regular self-exams important for timely detection.

Testicular cancer

Penile cancer is a rare cancer affecting the skin or tissues of the penis. Symptoms can include skin changes, lumps, unhealing sores, or unusual discharge. Risk factors include HPV and certain lifestyle factors; maintaining good hygiene can help. Treatment often involves surgery or radiation, and early detection is key for better outcomes.

Penile cancer

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man has difficulty getting or keeping an erection firm enough for sexual activity. This common condition can be caused by physical factors like diabetes or heart disease, psychological stress, or lifestyle choices. Effective treatments and lifestyle changes, such as healthy diet and exercise, can often help improve ED.

Erectile Dysfunction

Vasectomy is a highly effective, permanent form of male birth control. It's a minor surgical procedure that prevents sperm from reaching the semen, thus preventing pregnancy. This procedure does not affect sex drive, hormone levels, or ejaculation volume, offering couples peace of mind about family planning.

Vasectomy

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Urologic Oncologist | Urology of Virginia

Surgery (Urology)

Diseases where body cells grow abnormally and can spread.

Cancer

Problems with glands on your kidneys that make hormones for stress, energy, and blood pressure.

Adrenal conditions

Cancer conditions affecting the bladder, the organ storing urine.

Bladder cancer

Conditions affecting your bladder, kidneys, and how you urinate.

Bladder and Urinary Issues

Conditions where your body bleeds too easily or can't stop bleeding.

Bleeding Concerns

Problems that stop urine from flowing freely from your kidneys, bladder, or tubes.

Blockages in the Urinary Tract

Conditions from hard, stone-like deposits in kidneys and urinary tract.

Kidney Stones

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Cancers that start in the prostate gland, a male reproductive organ.

Tests to find what's wrong or to check for health problems.

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

Health conditions affecting sex organs, fertility, & sexual well-being.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Bladder problems preventing normal urine flow, requiring a new way for urine to exit the body.

Urinary Diversion

Health issues treated by operations and care for healing.

Surgical and Post-Surgical Care

Conditions that don't fit into other main groups. A mixed collection of health issues.

Other

Medical procedures are planned steps healthcare professionals take to diagnose, treat, or manage various health conditions. These can include diagnostic tests like imaging, therapeutic interventions, or surgical operations, all aimed at improving your health.

John Drevik, MD

Urothelial Carcinoma of the Upper Tract

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