Raising the Bar in Urologic Cancer Care
When it comes to your urologic health, there’s no room for doubt or hesitation. It’s why we participate in groundbreaking research and recruit leading urology experts from across the country. So that in your time of greatest need, you have access to experienced urologic cancer specialists who will devote all their expertise to you.
World-Class Expertise, First-Class Care
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Top-Ranked Care
We believe great care lies in proven results and genuine success stories. Thanks to the whole-person care and expertise our leading urologists practice every day, many of our institute locations are consistently recognized by national organizations like U.S. News & World Report.
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Trusted for Prostatectomies
When it comes to sensitive procedures such as a prostatectomy, you need a team of experts at your side. Throughout our institute network, our prostate cancer specialists are some of the most experienced in the country, with more patient success stories than we can count.
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A Multidisciplinary Approach
From surgery to chemotherapy and revolutionary technology, like our MRI-guided HDR brachytherapy, your options range far and wide. And we’d be honored to help you choose.
Urologic Cancers and Conditions We Treat
Urologic cancers develop in the urinary system — the bladder, kidneys, adrenal glands and urethra — and in men’s reproductive organs. At the AdventHealth Cancer Institute, our urologic oncologists treat these common cancers with comprehensive care, working to heal your body, ease your mind and lift your spirit.
Explore Your Treatment Options
As you begin your treatment journey, it’s important to know that because no two cancer diagnoses are the same, your oncology team will personalize your course of treatment strategically, prescribing individual therapies as needed. Depending on your diagnosis, your treatment plan may include some, none or a combination of the therapies below.
- Chemotherapy
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A Powerful Force Against Urologic Cancer
Chemotherapy Treatment: What To Expect
Nothing matters more to us than getting you well and getting you home. Depending on what type of urological cancer you have and how advanced it is, chemotherapy may play an essential role in successfully treating your cancer, particularly bladder cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma and certain types of kidney cancer. From the moment you arrive for your chemo treatment, one of our nurses will be there to greet you and guide you, keeping you and your loved one informed, comfortable and in good spirits throughout your visit.
How Does Chemotherapy Work?Using a combination of specialized drugs, chemotherapy can destroy or slow down the growth of fast-growing cancer cells in every part of your body. It can be administered intravenously, by injection or delivered directly into a specific part of your body. Our oncology experts will take an individualized approach to your chemotherapy treatment, choosing the best methods for you based on your type of urological cancer. Chemotherapy may be the only treatment you receive, or, more commonly, it’s used in combination with surgery and/or radiation therapy. Along the way, we're here to help however we can, answering any questions and helping you stay strong and optimistic before, during and after your treatment.
- Radiation
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Understanding Your Treatment Options
How Do We Protect You During Radiation?
We don’t just preach whole-person care. We practice it. One of the ways we do that is by continuously seeking new and innovative ways to make your treatments as safe and side-effect-free as possible.
Our Orlando-based institute was the first hospital in Central Florida to offer SpaceOAR, a first-of-its-kind treatment that helps protect you during radiation treatment. We're working to expand access to this innovative treatment across our AdventHealth Cancer Institute network.
SpaceOAR is a temporary, injectable, non-toxic and biodegradable gel that protects the rectum during radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Most commonly used in combination with HDR brachytherapy, the gel is placed prior to starting radiation treatment and significantly reduces the radiation dose to the surrounding tissue. SpaceOAR is the first and only prostate-cancer spacing device to receive clearance from the FDA.
Throughout your treatment, your nurses and radiology care team will keep you and your support system informed, comfortable and uplifted - Surgery
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Innovative Surgical Procedures
If surgery is part of your treatment plan, it’s reassuring to know that your health is in the hands of experienced surgeons. As a recognized leader in urological cancer care, we’re helping patients heal day in and day out through innovative surgical care.
Options for Surgery
Urologic cancer surgery can be a promising step forward on your path to healing, and can often be the first option.
Your dedicated team of urologic cancer specialists will review every detail of your medical history and recent tests to recommend the most effective treatment plan for you. When possible, we’ll use the most minimally invasive procedures, such as the innovative da Vinci® Surgical System, for quicker recovery, fewer scars and better treatment. Surgery may be the only treatment you need, or it’s used in combination with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
With a range of urological cancers comes a range of surgeries, including:
- Tumor removal, depending on the cancer, will include removing part of the surrounding issue on top of the tumor
- Organ removal is ideal for cancers that have spread throughout a full organ, and is an option for the bladder, kidney, prostate or the testicles; sometimes this can be done laparoscopically for a quicker recovery time
- Cryosurgery, used primarily for prostate cancer, involves injecting cooled nitrogen to eliminate cancer cells
- Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection targets cancer in lymph nodes in the groin and can often be done laparoscopically
Whatever procedure is part of your treatment plan, trust in a team ready to guide you with open arms and warm smiles from pre-op to post-op and beyond.
- Other Options
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New Non-Invasive Options Mean New Hope for More Patients
When surgery isn’t an option or your oncologist feels that an alternative solution can help treat your cancer more successfully, we offer many of the latest non-surgical interventions at AdventHealth Cancer Institute.
Non-Invasive Options for Urologic Cancer
Our leading urological specialists offer the following non-surgical treatments for urologic cancer:- Embolization blocks blood flow to the tumor, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients through a simple injection and is often used in combination with surgery
- Cryoablation, also known as tumor freezing, injects super-cooled nitrogen gas into the tumor site in an attempt to eliminate the tumor’s cancer cells
- Radiofrequency ablation, also known as tumor burning, uses a special needle to apply an electrical current directly into the tumor, and the heat causes the tumor to cauterize
Meet Our Expert Providers
We take a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to your cancer care, which means different types of specialists work together as a team to determine the most personalized and effective treatment plan for you.
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Paul Arnold, MD, FACS
Urology
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Ronald Chee-Awai, MD
Urology
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Pavitar Cheema, MD
Urology
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Justin Bruce Emtage, MD
Urology
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Patrick Guthrie, MD
Urology
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Dane K Hermansen, MD
Urology
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Tony Highshaw, MD
Urology
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Anudh Jain, MD
Radiation Oncology
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Faiyaaz Jhaveri, MD
Urology
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Fernando J. Kim, MD, MBA, FACS
Urology
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Bridget F. Koontz, MD FASTRO
Radiation Oncology
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Bertram Lewis, MD
Urology
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Christopher Martin, MD, MBA, FACS
Urology
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Marcio Covas Moschovas, MD, PhD
Urology
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Sylvester Onyishi, MD
Urology
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Mahesh Patel, MD
Urology
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Vipul Patel, MD
Urology
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James Pilkington, MD
Urology
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Christopher Russell, MD
Urology
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Peter Sam, MD
Urology
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Robert W. Santa-Cruz, MD
Urology
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Khaled Shahrour, MD
Urology
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Zachary Smith, MD
Urology
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Ernest Tong, MD
Urology
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Robert Weaver, MD
Urology
Urologic Cancer Experts You Can Count On
If you're newly diagnosed with urologic cancer, rest assured that the specialized care you need is close to home. Our experienced oncologists treat urologic cancer with the utmost expertise and compassion, and will design a well-rounded treatment plan for your whole-person healing.
Stop Wondering, Start Preventing
The sooner we catch urologic cancers such as prostate, bladder, or testicular cancer, the higher our chances will be of successfully treating them. Routine screenings can save your life, even if you have no symptoms. It’s during routine screenings that most cases of prostate and testicular cancers are first detected.
Between screenings, we also encourage you to be proactive in helping prevent cancer by leading a healthy lifestyle. That means eating colorful fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, avoiding chemical exposure, and keeping cigarettes out of your life. Take control of your health, know the warning signs of urologic cancer, and be proactive in your care by staying up-to-date with regular screenings.
Let Our Resources Empower You
No matter where you are on your cancer journey, we'll be your guide. From smart screenings that catch cancer early to unwavering support during treatment and wholehearted survivorship care, you can count on us.
Embrace Your Full Network of Cancer Care
Clinical Trials
Our researchers continuously discover new ways to prevent and treat cancer, giving you access to innovative treatments that aren't widely available.
Get a Second Opinion
It's always a good idea to get a second opinion. Our experts can serve as a fresh pair of eyes, bringing clarity and certainty to you and your family.
Patient Resources
From resources that offer answers to support groups where you can find comfort and hope, we’re here to help you feel informed and encouraged.
Answering Your Questions About Urologic Cancer
When you’re facing a urologic cancer diagnosis, finding your courage starts with learning the facts. We’re here to answer these common questions, and you can rest assured that your oncology team will be there to answer any others you may have about your specific diagnosis, treatment and healing.
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Q:Question: What are the early signs and symptoms of urologic cancer?
A:Answer:Early signs of urologic cancer depend on the specific cancer type but often include changes in urination and sexual function. Early symptoms can include blood in the urine (often the first sign of bladder cancer), lower back pain on one side (can be a sign of kidney cancer), difficulties urinating (may be an early symptom of prostate cancer) and a lump on one testicle (the most common first symptom of testicular cancer).
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Q:Question: Which cancers are included under urologic cancer?
A:Answer:Urologic cancer is a term for cancers of the bladder, kidney, penis, prostate and testicles. Urethral, adrenal and renal pelvis cancer are also types of urologic cancer.
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Q:Question: What causes urologic cancers, and what are the risk factors?
A:Answer:Uncontrolled cell growth is what causes urologic cancers. While the risk factors can vary depending on the type of urologic cancer, some shared risks include a family history of cancer, tobacco use, exposure to industrial chemicals and previous radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Age also plays a role, as most urologic cancers are diagnosed in people who are over 55.
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Q:Question: Are there screening tests for prostate, bladder, kidney or testicular cancer?
A:Answer:There are routine screenings for prostate and testicular cancer, but not for bladder and kidney cancer. A digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can help catch prostate cancer early. For testicular cancer, self-exams and a physical exam of the testicles during a routine checkup can help identify cancer.
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Q:Question: Has the cancer spread, and how is the stage determined?
A:Answer:When you’re first diagnosed with urologic cancer, your oncologist will explain how much cancer is present, where it’s located and whether it has spread, or metastasized, to other parts of the body. Each of these factors is an important part of determining a cancer’s stage, or its extent. Most urologic cancers are staged through the TNM system, in which your doctor will evaluate the main tumor (T), whether the cancer is affecting your lymph nodes (N) and whether it has metastasized (M) to other organs. Together, these values determine the cancer’s stage. Many cancers are staged from I to IV, with stage I cancers having the best outlook and stage IV being the most advanced.
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Q:Question: Will treatment affect urinary control or cause incontinence?
A:Answer:Unfortunately, bladder incontinence is common among people with cancer. It’s sometimes caused by certain types of cancer treatment, like chemo, immunotherapy and hormone therapy. Radiation therapy on the reproductive organs and the surgical removal of organs like the prostate can also cause incontinence.
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Q:Question: Should I see a urologic oncologist or another type of specialist?
A:Answer:If you’re experiencing worrisome symptoms, start by talking to your primary care provider. They can help evaluate your symptoms through a physical exam and other tests. If they think that what you’re experiencing might be related to urologic cancer, they can refer you to a urologist (urology specialist) or a urologic oncologist (urologic cancer expert). Your provider may also refer you to a different type of specialist, depending on your unique needs.
Find Urologic Cancer Care Near You
If you’re unsure about your symptoms or have been recently diagnosed with urologic cancer, we’re here to guide your path forward. Find proven treatments, expert-level care and a world of support at our AdventHealth Cancer Institute. We offer specialized care for prostate, adrenal, testicular, penile and bladder cancers and more — all coordinated through a trusted national network. Explore our locations or let our team guide you to the one that’s right for you, so you can focus on healing.