Urological Cancer Treatments
Urological cancers are malignant tumors that develop in the urogenital system and can lead to serious health problems if not diagnosed early. Prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers are among the most common types of cancer in men. However, bladder and kidney cancer can also be seen in women. In addition to modern treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, robotic surgery has provided revolutionary advantages in the treatment of urological cancers in recent years.

Professor Gökhan Koç, a urology specialist based in İzmir, is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers, and especially offers his patients a more comfortable, faster, and effective recovery process through robotic surgery. This article will discuss the types of urological cancers and treatment methods in detail.

1. Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in men. The prostate is a gland located at the beginning of the urethra and usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages of cancer. In advanced stages, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and pain in the pelvic area.

Risk Factors:

• Age: Risk increases in men over 50.

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of prostate cancer increases risk.

• Diet: Consumption of fatty foods and red meat may increase the risk.

Diagnostic Methods:

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Test: Measuring PSA levels in the blood is important for early detection.

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): The size, shape, and firmness of the prostate are evaluated.

• Biopsy: In suspicious cases, tissue samples are taken from the prostate for pathological examination.

Treatment Methods:

• Radical Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the cancerous prostate. Robotic surgery allows for more precise operation with minimal incisions and faster recovery.

• Radiotherapy: High-energy beams target cancer cells.

• Hormone Therapy: Reduces testosterone levels to slow cancer growth.

• Active Surveillance: For early-stage, slow-growing cases, regular monitoring is performed.

Robotic radical prostatectomy is considered the gold standard in surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Professor Gökhan Koç in İzmir offers a more comfortable and successful treatment process to his patients through the advantages of robotic surgery.

2. Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer develops in the cells lining the inside of the bladder. It is more common in men but can also occur in women. The most common symptom is painless blood in the urine. In advanced stages, burning during urination, frequent urination, and pelvic pain may occur.

Risk Factors:

• Smoking: The biggest risk factor for bladder cancer.

• Chemical Exposure: Contact with industrial chemicals increases risk.

• Age and Gender: Risk increases with age; more common in men.

Diagnostic Methods:

• Urine Analysis: Blood and abnormal cells are investigated.

• Cystoscopy: A thin camera is inserted through the urethra to examine the bladder.

• Biopsy: Abnormal tissue samples are taken for pathological examination.

Treatment Methods:

• Transurethral Resection (TUR): In early stages, the tumor is removed using a closed surgical method.

• Radical Cystectomy: Removal of the entire bladder in advanced cases. Robotic surgery provides advantages such as fewer complications and faster recovery.

• Immunotherapy: Strengthens the immune system to fight cancer.

• Chemotherapy: Stops or destroys cancer cell growth.

Robotic radical cystectomy offers benefits such as less blood loss, smaller incisions, reduced pain, and shorter hospital stay. Professor Gökhan Koç applies the most up-to-date robotic surgery techniques in the treatment of bladder cancer to improve patients’ quality of life.

3. Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer occurs when kidney cells grow uncontrollably. It usually progresses without symptoms, but in advanced stages, symptoms may include back pain, blood in the urine, and sudden weight loss.

Risk Factors:

• Smoking

• Obesity

• High Blood Pressure

• Genetic Predisposition

Diagnostic Methods:

• Ultrasound: Detects abnormal structures in the kidneys.

• CT and MRI Scans: Determine the size and spread of the tumor.

• Biopsy: Tissue samples are taken for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Methods:

• Radical Nephrectomy: Complete removal of the cancerous kidney. Robotic surgery allows this to be performed less invasively.

• Partial Nephrectomy: Only the tumor tissue is removed, preserving the healthy part of the kidney.

• Targeted Therapies: Medications that inhibit cancer cell growth.

• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

Professor Gökhan Koç in İzmir ensures faster recovery and a quicker return to daily life for patients undergoing robotic nephrectomy procedures.

4. Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in young men. It typically presents as a painless lump or swelling in the testicle. The chance of successful treatment is high with early diagnosis.

Risk Factors:

• Undescended Testicle (Cryptorchidism)

• Family History of Testicular Cancer

• Genetic Factors

Diagnostic Methods:

• Ultrasound: Detects lumps in the testicle.

• Blood Tests: Measures tumor markers such as beta-hCG, AFP, and LDH.

• Biopsy: Suspicious tissue is examined.

Treatment Methods:

• Orchiectomy: Surgical removal of the cancerous testicle. Robotic surgery enables this to be done minimally invasively.

• Chemotherapy: Used to destroy cancer cells in advanced cases.

• Radiotherapy: Targets cancer cells spread to lymph nodes.

Robotic surgery allows the procedure to be done with smaller incisions in testicular cancer treatment, leading to less pain and faster recovery. Professor Gökhan Koç achieves successful outcomes in testicular cancer treatment with modern surgical techniques.

Advantages of Robotic Surgery in Urological Cancer Treatment
Robotic surgery offers revolutionary advantages in the treatment of urological cancers:

• Minimally invasive interventions with smaller incisions, resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

• Less bleeding during surgery, enabling patients to recover without needing blood transfusions.

• The surgeon can access even the most delicate tissues thanks to the high maneuverability of robotic arms.

• Patients are discharged earlier and can return to daily life more quickly.

• Helps preserve functions like erection and urinary control during prostate cancer surgery.

Professor Gökhan Koç in İzmir applies these advantages of robotic surgery effectively to offer patients a more comfortable and successful treatment process.

Conclusion
Urological cancers can be successfully treated when diagnosed early. Although different treatment methods exist for prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers, robotic surgery allows patients to recover more quickly and return to daily life sooner. Professor Gökhan Koç, who is specialized in the treatment of urological cancers in İzmir, uses the most advanced technologies offered by modern medicine to help his patients maintain a healthy life.

For more information about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, and treatment options of urological cancers and to book an appointment, you can get in touch.