Nationally Recognized Surgical and Medical Urologic Cancer Care
The urologic oncology team at Loyola is a nationally recognized leader in the surgical and medical management of urologic cancer. Our experienced specialists use state-of-the-art care for the full range of urologic cancers and are active in the research and development of new ways to fight cancer.
Urologic, or urological, cancer can develop in any organ of the urinary system or the male reproductive system and is a term that encompasses the following cancers:
All of Loyola’s urologic oncologists have completed advanced training in genitourinary oncology and other research fellowships and are recognized thought leaders in the field, giving lectures and presenting research at national meetings.
How is Urologic Cancer Diagnosed?
Doctors at Loyola approach the diagnosis of urologic cancer with great care. A patient’s symptoms, personal and family medical history, physical exam and screening tests can help identify a patient’s urologic cancer type. Urologic cancer symptoms vary depending on the specific cancer type, and may include:
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Abdominal pain
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Blood in urine
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Elevated hormone levels
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Enlarged prostate
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Swollen abdomen
The diagnostic tests recommended by the highly skilled doctors at Loyola will depend on your specific symptoms and may include:
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Biopsy
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Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels
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Bone scan
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CT scan (computed tomography)
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Digital rectal exam
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Liver function test
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MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)
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Pelvic exam
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Renal arteriography
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Ultrasound
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Urine test
How is Urologic Cancer Treated?
Loyola’s interdisciplinary approach to the treatment of urologic cancer brings together a wide range of board-certified medical experts who evaluate your condition and provide a comprehensive, individualized plan for treatment. Your treatment depends on many things, including the type and stage of your cancer and your overall health.
In most cases, surgery is the primary cancer treatment for all urologic cancers. At Loyola, you will receive interdisciplinary care for all genitourinary cancers. Options for treatment include:
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Major open surgical and reconstructive procedures
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Minimally invasive approaches including laparoscopy, robotic surgery and percutaneous cryosurgery
Loyola is a leader in using each of these surgical treatments for many urologic cancers. We evaluate each patient’s candidacy for minimally invasive surgery during the first appointment. For this reason, Loyola is willing to take on the toughest urologic cancer cases and strives to provide the best cancer outcomes and patient experience.
Loyola has also been a pioneer in a number of areas of urologic surgery, and is the first center in the state of Illinois to offer MRI-based targeted biopsies to detect prostate cancer and to enhance surgical decision-making.
In addition to surgery, Loyola also offers the most advanced systemic therapies. Our patients have access to current and investigational treatments and advanced radiation therapeutic approaches including radiation seed implants (prostate brachytherapy). Your treatment may also include:
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Chemotherapy
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Hormone therapy
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Immunotherapy
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Radiation therapy
Early Detection and Screening for Urologic Cancers
Screening tests are not available for all urologic cancer types, but Loyola follows the American Cancer Society’s recommendations for cancer screening and prevention.
Groundbreaking Research and Clinical Trials for Urologic Cancer
Our team is involved in numerous clinical trials funded by the National Institutes of Health to help develop the next generation of cancer treatments.
Our doctors are also lecturers and faculty at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and publish papers in prestigious national and international medical journals. Our department is involved in laboratory research on prostate, bladder and kidney cancers, where we actively research new therapies.
Our cancer patients have access to some of the most important clinical trials for urologic cancer treatments.
