Diagnosing Genitourinary Cancer

Genitourinary cancer refers to a group of diseases that develop in your genital and urinary organs (the genitourinary tract). This system is made up of your bladder, kidneys, tubes that collect and drain urine from the kidneys and move it into the bladder (the ureters), the tube that drains urine from your bladder to the outside (the urethra), and in men, the testicles and prostate. Cancer in a woman’s reproductive tract is called gynecological cancer. 

Dignity Health offers comprehensive cancer care services, including prevention and early detection, state-of-the-art advanced diagnostic and imaging equipment, and the latest treatments and therapies. You’ll also find cancer support services and groups at our Bay Area hospitals.

If you’d like to learn more about the care we provide for genitourinary cancer in the Bay Area, use our online search tool and Find a Doctor.

Types of Genitourinary Cancer We Treat

No matter what type of cancer you have, be assured the oncologists at Dignity Health will treat your individual case with passion and dedication. Our doctors work to prevent, diagnose, and treat the following types of genitourinary cancer: 

Genitourinary cancer symptoms depend on the type and location of the disease. Some have symptoms in the early stages, while others only show signs much later on.

Causes & Risk Factors for Genitourinary Cancer

Like all cancers, the cause of genitourinary cancer is still unknown. Researchers have determined that family history and smoking may be associated with their development. 

You can learn more about prevention strategies, such as recommended screenings, and detection methods, such as diagnostic imaging, by speaking with an oncologist at Dignity Health.

Treatment of Genitourinary Cancer at Dignity Health

Your treatment options depend on the specific type and stage of cancer you have. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following: 

  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Hormone therapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Radiation therapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Surgery

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of each treatment, as well as the goals for your care. 

You can find world-class care at these Dignity Health oncology centers: