Cancer is a disease where the body's cells grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Symptoms vary widely depending on the type and location, but common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. While causes are complex, healthy lifestyle choices like diet and exercise can influence risk and overall health.

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Clinical trials are research studies where volunteers test new medical treatments, drugs, or devices. They help researchers discover better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases, advancing medical care for everyone while offering participants potential access to innovative therapies.

Clinical Trials

Prostate cancer screening, often involving a PSA blood test, aims to detect cancer early, as symptoms are rare in early stages. If results are concerning, a prostate biopsy may be recommended to confirm diagnosis by examining tissue. Discussion with your doctor helps guide screening decisions, considering personal risk factors like age and family history, to determine if early detection and treatment options are suitable for you.

Prostate Cancer Screening and Prostate Biopsy

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, often without early symptoms. For localized disease, options include active surveillance (careful monitoring for low-risk cases) or robotic prostatectomy (minimally invasive surgical removal of the gland). A healthy lifestyle can support overall well-being.

Prostate Cancer: Active Surveillance and Robotic Prostatectomy

Kidney cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in your kidney, often presenting as a mass. Early on, there may be no symptoms, but later signs can include blood in urine or back pain. While exact causes are often unclear, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding smoking, and managing weight can help reduce risk. Treatment options vary and are tailored to each individual.

Kidney Mass / Cancer

Cystectomy, or bladder removal, is a surgery for serious bladder conditions like cancer. After removal, a urinary diversion is created to manage urine flow. Options like an ileal conduit, neobladder, or Indiana pouch are discussed with you, each having different implications for your body and daily life. Understanding these helps you choose the best fit for your lifestyle.

Bladder Removal Surgery (Cystectomy, Ileal Conduit, Neobladder, Indiana Pouch)  HELP WITH DECIDING ON A URINARY DIVERSION.

An ileal conduit is a surgical way urine leaves the body, creating an opening called a stoma on the abdomen. Stoma care involves daily cleaning and managing the collection pouch to maintain healthy skin, prevent issues, and support a comfortable lifestyle. This essential routine helps ensure well-being and independence.

Ileal Conduit: Stoma Care

Bladder cancer develops when abnormal cells grow in the bladder. The most common sign is visible blood in the urine, often painless. Smoking is a leading risk factor. Treatments vary but may include surgery, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. Quitting smoking significantly improves health and outcomes.

Bladder Cancer Basics

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

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

Hospital Discharge Instructions are your personalized guide for safe recovery after leaving the hospital. They detail crucial information, including medications, activity guidelines, wound care, follow-up appointments, and signs to watch for. Following these instructions carefully is essential for a smooth and successful transition back home.

Hospital Discharge Instructions

This page includes general resources for my patients.

General Resources, Stents, Other

Understanding your medications, their purpose, proper usage, and potential effects is crucial for your health and safety.

Medication Information and Resources

SpaceOAR and fiducials are advanced tools used during radiation therapy, often for prostate cancer. SpaceOAR is a temporary gel that creates space between the prostate and rectum, protecting the rectum from radiation exposure. Fiducials are tiny markers placed near the tumor to precisely guide the radiation beam. Together, they enhance treatment accuracy, reduce side effects on healthy tissues, and aim to improve patient comfort and recovery during and after treatment.

SpaceOAR and Fiducials

J. "Ryan" Mark

Fox Chase Cancer Center Hospital

Nursing Line/Triage (business hours)

New Patient Appointments

After Hours Phone

Associate Professor of Urology

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

Everyday health, wellness tips, and understanding how to manage your care.

General Health & Patient Education

Kidney Cancer

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

Prostate Cancer

Prostate problems that affect men's urination and health.

Prostate Conditions

Conditions affecting male organs, fertility, and sexual health.

Men's Reproductive Health

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

Other

Conditions affecting your kidneys and the tubes that carry urine.

Kidney & Ureter Conditions

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

Screening and Diagnostic Procedures

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

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.

J. "Ryan" Mark, MD

Cancer basics

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Common Medication for Cancer basics

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