Genitourinary Cancers

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Nuvance Health® Cancer Institute provides comprehensive care for all types and stages of genitourinary cancer. You receive advanced treatment and a personalized approach to help ensure the best possible outcome.
What are Genitourinary Cancers?

Genitourinary cancers begin in the urinary system and the male reproductive system when cells grow out of control.

Types of genitourinary cancer include:

Genitourinary Cancer Care at Nuvance Health: Why Choose Us? 

Turn to Nuvance Health for sophisticated care for genitourinary cancer, close to home. Our program’s highlights include: 

  • Experienced specialists
    The program’s urologists are board-certified and experienced in the full spectrum of genitourinary health, so you receive targeted, appropriate care.
  • Multidisciplinary approach
    A fully integrated team collaborates to deliver effective care, including discussing and coordinating cases in tumor boards and specialized clinics.
  • Advanced procedures
    We’re always evolving our surgical techniques to bring you effective care. Surgeons perform many genitourinary procedures using minimally invasive techniques that can lead to fewer incisions and a faster recovery. 
  • Genetic counseling and testing
    We offer dedicated counselors and sophisticated screening to assess and possibly reduce your risk of developing an inherited cancer. Explore genetic counseling for cancer.
  • Personalized care
    Our relationship-driven approach supports your unique needs. Your nurse navigator provides dedicated support, and the entire care team takes the time to discuss your options and answer your questions.
Screening and Prevention

Nuvance Health offers prostate screenings and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests to detect cancer as soon as possible. The team offers Axumin® scans to assist with early detection of recurrent prostate cancer after surgery or radiation. We also have a strong prevention research program. Learn more about cancer screening and prevention and explore our clinical trials.

Diagnosing Genitourinary Cancers

Specialists assess symptoms and diagnose genitourinary cancers using:

Imaging tests

Your doctor may order one or more tests that create detailed pictures of your body’s structures, including:

  • Computed tomography (CT): We take many X-rays from different angles to produce cross-sections of specific areas.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This procedure uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images. We use multiple parametric MRI to produce detailed images of the prostate.
  • Ultrasound: We use high-frequency sound waves to produce images of structures in your body.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET): We use radioactive substances (tracers) to see how your body’s tissues and organs are functioning. The team offers Axumin® scans to assist with early detection of recurrent prostate cancer after surgery or radiation.
  • Bone scans: This procedure uses a tiny amount of a radioactive drug to reveal problems with bone metabolism, which can signal prostate problems.

Other diagnostic procedures

We may also perform the following procedures to make or confirm a diagnosis:

  • Cystoscopy (or bladder scope): We use a thin, flexible tube to see inside parts of the urinary tract.
  • Biopsy: We remove tissue or sometimes fluid from the affected area and examine it under a microscope to check for signs of cancer. The team uses UroNav® fusion biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer.
  • Molecular tissue testing: We analyze DNA in a tissue sample to find tumor-specific genes, proteins and other elements that can indicate cancer.
  • Disease-specific tests: Specialists may perform other tests depending on the type of cancer.

Genitourinary Cancer Treatment

You have access to the full range of genitourinary cancer treatments, including:

  • Surgical oncology to remove the tumor or affected organs. Learn more about cancer surgery.
  • Radiation oncology uses rays of energy to shrink the cancer or remove traces of cancer that remain after surgery. Explore radiation therapy.
  • Medical oncology, a group of treatments that use drugs and other substances to fight cancer cells. Read more about chemotherapy and other medical oncology.
  • Supportive care may include assistance from nurse navigators and social workers, along with therapies to reduce the side effects of treatment. Find out more about supportive therapies.

Advanced surgery for genitourinary cancer

We can perform many surgeries using minimally invasive methods to help make your recovery faster and easier. These options include:

  • Laparoscopy: We make small incisions in the abdomen and use a thin, flexible instrument with a camera on the tip to guide the procedure.
  • Robotic surgery: Your surgeon uses a robotic system to assist in laparoscopic procedures. The robot allows us to operate using 3D vision and precise movements

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