Diagnosing the Symptoms of Genitourinary Cancer in the Sacramento Region

Genitourinary cancer describes a group of cancers that occur within the genitourinary system, also called the urogenital system. The genitourinary system is made up of the reproductive organs and urinary organs — including the bladder, prostate, kidneys, testes, and penis. The most common symptoms of genitourinary cancer are blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, unexplained weight loss, and persistent pelvic or abdominal pain.

At Dignity Health Cancer Institute of Greater Sacramento, our oncologists specialize in the treatment of genitourinary cancer in Sacramento, CA and the surrounding areas. If you would like to schedule a consultation with an expert oncologist, Find a Doctor or call 888.800.7688. We can help you prevent genitourinary cancer or receive an early diagnosis through regular exams and screenings.

Symptoms of Bladder Cancer

• Pain or burning during urination
• Having trouble urinating or having a weak urine stream
• Having to urinate more often than usual
• Feeling as if you need to go right away, even when the bladder is not full
• Blood in the urine 

Blood in your urine does not always mean you have bladder cancer, but it’s important to have your doctor check so the underlying cause can be determined.

Symptoms of Advanced Bladder Cancer

• Swelling in the feet
• Lower back pain on one side
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Feeling tired or weak
• Bone pain
• Being unable to urinate

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Painful ejaculation
• Stiffness or pain in the upper thighs, back, or hips
• Inability and difficulty starting urination
• Painful or burning urination
• Blood in urine or semen

Symptoms of Kidney Cancer

• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Persistent pain in the side (flank) is another common symptom
• Fever
• General feeling of being unwell
• Blood in the urine, which makes the urine look rusty, pink, or dark red
• Mass or lump in the abdomen

Symptoms of Testicular Cancer

• Pain or discomfort in a testicle or the scrotum
• Enlargement or tenderness of the breasts
• Back pain
• A sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
• A lump or enlargement in either testicle
• A feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
• A dull ache in the abdomen or groin

Symptoms of Penile Cancer

• Wart-like growth or lesion
• Swelling or skin change of the penis
• Small, crusty bumps
• Reddish rash
• Open sore that doesn’t heal
• Swollen lymph nodes in the groin

Speak with your doctor at Dignity Health if you are experiencing problems with your urinary tract or any abnormal conditions in your genital area. Our oncologists offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for cancers of the urogenital system.