In addition to prostate cancer, the urologic oncologists at Henry Ford specialize in diagnosing and treating cancer of the kidneys and testicles.
Kidney Cancer
Overall, cancer of the kidney is rare. When it occurs, it is more common in men over the age of 40. Symptoms may include fever, loss of appetite and weight, mild abdominal or back pain, and possibly blood in the urine. The treatment for tumors only within the kidney is usually surgery. If the tumor has spread, newer forms of advanced chemotherapy can be used.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer is the most common solid cancer for men between the ages of 15 and 35. Fortunately, it is almost always curable if caught and treated early.
The treatment typically calls for the surgical removal of the testicle in a procedure called a radical orchiectomy. The disease rarely involves spread to both testicles. Since the other testicle remains intact, the patient typically maintains his fertility. The chances for complete recovery are very good.
The main symptom of testicular cancer is a lump in the testicle. For that reason, regular self examination is important. Once a week, usually while bathing, a man should feel the surface of each testicle, looking for a lump or swelling. Men should also note that there is an increased risk of testicular cancer in men who had undescended testes. The risk is not thought to be changed by bringing the testes into a more normal position (orchidopexy), and this increased risk also involves the normally descended testes, as well.
