Urological Cancer Care | Springwood, Brisbane
Urological Cancer Assessment & Care
Concerned about an elevated PSA, blood in your urine, a kidney mass or a testicular lump?
Southside Urology provides specialist assessment and management advice for prostate, bladder, kidney, testicular and penile cancers.
We help patients understand their investigations, diagnosis and treatment options, including the need for further specialist or multidisciplinary cancer care.
Specialist urology consultations | Springwood, Brisbane Southside
Urological Cancer Conditions
Types of Urological Cancer
Urological cancers can affect the urinary tract and male reproductive organs. Each cancer has different investigations and treatment options.
Prostate Cancer
Raised PSA, prostate MRI, biopsy, diagnosis, surveillance and treatment options.
Explore prostate cancer → 02 / BLADDERBladder Cancer
Blood in urine, cystoscopy, bladder tumours, TURBT, treatment and surveillance.
Explore bladder cancer → 03 / KIDNEYKidney Cancer
Kidney masses, suspicious imaging findings, renal tumours and management options.
Explore kidney cancer → 04 / TESTICULARTesticular Cancer
Testicular lumps, ultrasound, tumour markers, orchidectomy and ongoing follow-up.
Explore testicular cancer → 05 / PENILEPenile Cancer
Persistent penile lesions, suspicious skin changes, diagnosis and treatment planning.
Explore penile cancer → 06 / UPPER URINARY TRACTUpper Tract Urothelial Cancer
Cancer affecting the lining of the kidney's drainage system or the ureter.
Explore upper tract cancer →Recognising Possible Warning Signs
When Should You Seek Assessment?
Many symptoms listed below have non-cancerous causes. However, persistent symptoms or abnormal investigations should be reviewed by a medical professional.
Early prostate and kidney cancers may not cause any symptoms. An abnormal test or imaging result can therefore be an important reason for specialist assessment.
Understanding Your Diagnosis
Common Urological Cancers Explained
The investigations and treatment required depend on the suspected cancer, its stage and grade, your general health and preferences.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. Early disease often causes no symptoms and may first be suspected following an abnormal PSA result.
A raised PSA does not automatically mean cancer. Further assessment may include repeat PSA testing, examination, MRI and prostate biopsy.
Treatment ranges from active surveillance for selected low-risk cancers to surgery, radiotherapy and other treatments for higher-risk disease.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer often presents with blood in the urine. The bleeding may be painless and can occur intermittently.
Cystoscopy is used to examine the bladder lining. A suspicious tumour may require transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) for diagnosis and treatment.
Further treatment depends on tumour grade and stage. Options may include surveillance, treatment placed directly into the bladder, or more extensive surgery and other cancer treatments.
Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancers may be found incidentally during imaging performed for another reason. Some kidney masses are benign.
CT or MRI helps assess the size and characteristics of a kidney mass and whether further testing is needed.
Management may include active surveillance, ablation or surgery, including partial or radical nephrectomy. Treatment decisions depend on the tumour and individual patient factors.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer may present as a painless lump, swelling or change in the size or firmness of a testicle.
Assessment usually includes physical examination, scrotal ultrasound and blood tumour markers.
When cancer is strongly suspected, removal of the affected testicle through the groin (radical inguinal orchidectomy) is the usual diagnostic and initial treatment. Subsequent treatment depends on the tumour type and stage.
Penile Cancer
Penile cancer is uncommon. Possible warning signs include a persistent sore, abnormal growth, bleeding, a non-healing lesion or changes to the skin.
Assessment involves examination and may require a biopsy to establish the diagnosis. Examination of the groin lymph nodes is also important.
Treatment depends on the site, size and stage of disease. Selected early cancers may be treated with penile-preserving approaches, while more advanced disease can require extensive surgery and multidisciplinary care.
Upper Tract Urothelial Cancer
Upper tract urothelial cancer affects the lining of the renal pelvis or ureter. It is different from most cancers arising within kidney tissue.
Blood in the urine may be the first symptom. Imaging, urine testing and sometimes ureteroscopy are used during assessment.
Treatment may involve endoscopic management in selected low-risk disease or surgery to remove the kidney and ureter for appropriate higher-risk cases.
Diagnosis & Staging
How Are Urological Cancers Investigated?
Investigations differ according to the suspected cancer. Your specialist will select appropriate tests rather than recommending every investigation for every patient.
PSA & Tumour Markers
PSA can help assess prostate cancer risk. Specific blood tumour markers are also used when assessing suspected testicular cancer.
Ultrasound, CT & MRI
Imaging helps investigate suspicious findings, characterise abnormalities and assess the extent of some cancers.
Flexible Cystoscopy
A small camera is passed through the urethra to examine the bladder lining for suspicious abnormalities.
Biopsy & Pathology
Tissue sampling may be needed to confirm the type of cancer. The method varies by organ; suspected testicular cancer follows a different surgical pathway.
Further Scans
Depending on the diagnosis, CT, MRI, PET or other imaging may help determine whether cancer has spread.
Multidisciplinary Assessment
Appropriate cases may be reviewed by urologists, radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists.
Cancer Management
What Treatments Are Available?
Treatment is based on the cancer type, stage, grade, your health and personal preferences. Some cancers need immediate treatment, while others may be safely monitored in selected circumstances.
Individualised Cancer Treatment Planning
Treatment options may involve one or more specialists. Recommendations are guided by the available evidence and individual clinical circumstances.
Active Surveillance
Carefully structured monitoring may be appropriate for selected low-risk prostate cancers or some small kidney masses. This is not suitable for every cancer diagnosis.
Urological Surgery
Surgical options vary by cancer and may include tumour resection, prostate surgery, kidney surgery, orchidectomy or penile cancer surgery.
Treatment Within the Bladder
Some non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers require additional treatment after TURBT, including intravesical chemotherapy or BCG immunotherapy.
Radiotherapy & Systemic Treatment
Depending on the cancer, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted medications may be recommended by the relevant cancer team.
Reconstructive Approaches
Some operations may require urinary or genital reconstruction. The available options depend on the cancer, treatment goals and individual circumstances.
Supportive & Survivorship Care
Cancer care may include management of urinary symptoms, sexual health concerns, fertility preservation, rehabilitation and longer-term follow-up.
After Diagnosis or Treatment
Ongoing Cancer Surveillance & Follow-Up
Many patients require monitoring after diagnosis or treatment. Your follow-up schedule depends on the cancer type, treatment received and risk of recurrence.
Monitoring for Recurrence
Follow-up may involve PSA testing, blood tests, imaging, cystoscopy or clinical examination depending on the diagnosis.
Managing Treatment Effects
Treatment may affect urinary function, sexual health, fertility and quality of life. These concerns can be reviewed during follow-up.
Coordinating Ongoing Care
Your urologist, GP and other treating specialists may work together to coordinate surveillance, rehabilitation and additional treatment.
Your Specialist Consultation
What Happens at Your First Cancer Assessment?
Whether you have a confirmed diagnosis or an abnormal test requiring investigation, the consultation focuses on understanding the findings and planning the next steps.
Review Your Medical History
We discuss symptoms, previous investigations, relevant family history and medical conditions.
Review Results & Imaging
Your referral, blood results, imaging and any previous pathology reports are reviewed.
Discuss Investigations & Options
We discuss whether additional investigations are needed and explain potential management pathways.
Plan Further Care
Where appropriate, further cancer treatment and multidisciplinary review can be coordinated.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Attention
Visible blood in the urine, a new testicular lump or a persistent penile lesion should be assessed promptly by a doctor. Seek emergency care for severe bleeding with clots or inability to pass urine, sudden severe testicular pain, or fever with suspected urinary obstruction. New leg weakness, numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain also requires emergency assessment. Do not wait for a routine specialist appointment. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Common Questions
Urological Cancer FAQs
Does a raised PSA mean I have prostate cancer?
No. PSA can rise because of benign prostate enlargement, inflammation and other causes. Your PSA result, clinical history and individual risk help determine whether further testing is needed.
Should painless blood in the urine be investigated?
Yes. Blood in the urine may have several causes, including infections, stones and tumours. Painless visible bleeding can be associated with bladder cancer and should not be ignored. Assessment may include imaging and cystoscopy.
Does a kidney mass always mean cancer?
No. Some kidney masses are benign, and many simple kidney cysts do not require treatment. Dedicated CT or MRI can help determine whether surveillance, biopsy or treatment is appropriate.
Is every testicular lump cancer?
No. Hydroceles, cysts and other non-cancerous conditions can cause scrotal lumps. However, a new lump within the testicle should be assessed promptly, usually with examination and ultrasound.
Does a cancer diagnosis always require surgery?
Not always. Some cancers can be monitored with active surveillance, while others may be treated with surgery, radiotherapy, medications or combinations of treatments. The appropriate approach depends on the cancer type and risk.
What is the difference between cancer grade and stage?
Grade describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under the microscope. Stage describes how far the cancer has grown or spread. Both can influence treatment recommendations.
Will I need further tests after my diagnosis?
Sometimes. Further blood tests, scans, pathology review or specialist investigations may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, determine stage and guide treatment.
Can cancer treatment affect urinary or sexual function?
Some treatments can affect urinary control, sexual function or fertility. The risks depend on the cancer and the treatment selected. These effects should be discussed before treatment where possible.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring your GP referral, current medication list, previous blood tests, imaging reports and images, pathology results and any earlier specialist letters. You may also wish to bring a family member or support person.
Southside Urology | Springwood
Need Assessment for a Urological Cancer Concern?
Contact Southside Urology about an appointment for an abnormal PSA, blood in urine, a kidney mass, testicular lump or other urological cancer concern.
Suite 7/2 Murrajong Road, Springwood QLD 4127.