Urologic Cancer
Urologic cancers affect organs of the urinary system and, in men, the reproductive system. At Mercy, we provide advanced, personalized care for bladder, kidney, prostate and other urologic cancers. Our compassionate teams offer precision medicine, access to clinical trials and resources to keep you informed and prepared at every step of your journey.
Where to Find Mercy Urologic Cancer Care
Connect to Mercy Experts
Why Choose Mercy for Urologic Cancer Care
What sets Mercy apart isn’t just our medical expertise; it’s our commitment to treating the whole person.
We offer:
- High-volume cancer surgeries with experienced surgeons
- Access to exclusive clinical trials (including a new drug for bladder cancer)
- Precision medicine for a care plan tailored to your genetics and family history
- Holistic, values-based care aligned with your beliefs and goals
- Dedicated nurse navigators
- Counseling and social work services
- Spiritual care
- Financial assistance and insurance guidance
- Support groups for patients and families
What is Urologic Cancer?
Urologic cancer refers to cancers that affect the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. These include the bladder, kidneys, prostate, testicles, penis, urethra and adrenal glands. At Mercy, our specialists treat all types of urologic cancer with expertise and sensitivity.
Urologic Cancer Prevention & Screening
Screening helps detect urologic cancer early when treatment is most effective. When no cancer is found, screening provides peace of mind.
The test your doctor recommends depends on the type of cancer being screened for.
Prostate Cancer — PSA testing and digital rectal exam
Bladder Cancer — Urinalysis, urine cytology and cystoscopy
Kidney Cancer — Imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs
Testicular Cancer — Physical exam, ultrasound of the scrotum and testicles, and blood tests for tumor markers
Here are brief explanations of various screening methods:
Imaging:
- Ultrasound — uses sound waves to create images of the kidneys, bladder and other structures in the urinary tract
- CT scans — provide detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary tract to detect tumors and abnormalities
- MRI scans — use magnetic fields to create detailed images of the urinary tract, useful for assessing the extent of tumors
PSA blood test — measures prostate-specific antigen levels to screen for prostate cancer
Urine Tests:
- Urinalysis and Urine Cytology — analyze urine for signs of infection, blood and cancer cells
- Urine tumor marker tests — detect specific molecules in the urine that may indicate bladder cancer
Cystoscopy: A procedure where a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the bladder to visualize the lining and take tissue samples, if needed
Ureteroscopy: Like cystoscopy, but examines the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
Biopsy: Removal and microscopic examination of tissue samples to confirm cancer