Urological Cancer Treatment & Surgery in Singapore

The most common urological cancer in men, prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland. It often grows relatively slowly and may initially cause no symptoms. Some forms can be more aggressive and spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

This cancer forms in the bladder lining and is more common in older adults. Most bladder cancers are detected early when they are highly treatable. However the cancer can often recur, making long-term follow-up essential.

Also called renal cell carcinoma, kidney cancer typically starts in the lining of tiny tubes in the kidney. Nowadays, most kidney cancers are found incidentally during imaging tests for other conditions.

Although less common, testicular cancer primarily affects younger men between 15-40 years of age. It is one of the most treatable cancers when detected early, with cure rates exceeding 95%.

A rare cancer that starts in the skin or tissues of the penis. Early detection and treatment are crucial for preserving both function and quality of life.

• Blood in urine (haematuria). Often painless and intermittent
• Changes in urination patterns. Frequency, urgency, or weak stream
• Mild pelvic or back discomfort
• Small lumps or swelling in testicles

• Swelling in legs or scrotum
• Difficulty urinating or complete blockage
• Unexplained fatigue
• Loss of appetite and significant weight loss

• Spread to other organs causing specific symptoms
• Severe bone pain and fractures
• Breathing difficulties if spread to lungs
• Neurological symptoms if spread to brain or spine
• Liver dysfunction signs

Primarily used for prostate cancer, hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels to slow cancer growth. Treatment options include injections given monthly or every few months, oral medications taken daily, or in some cases, surgical removal of the testicles. Side effects may include hot flashes and reduced bone density, which are manageable with supportive care.

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment that uses powerful medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. It is typically administered intravenously or orally in cycles, allowing recovery time between treatments. Modern chemotherapy regimens are often more targeted with fewer side effects than older protocols and are frequently combined with other treatments for advanced cancers.

Immunotherapy harnesses the body’s own immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells. Examples include BCG therapy for bladder cancer, which involves instilling bacteria into the bladder to stimulate an immune response, and checkpoint inhibitors, given intravenously, that help immune cells target cancer. Treatment duration varies from months to years depending on the patient’s response.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, commonly employed in prostate and bladder cancer management. External beam radiation therapy typically requires daily sessions over several weeks, while brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. Modern techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) provide highly accurate targeting, and radiation therapy can be a primary treatment or used alongside other therapies to minimise recurrence.

Surgery aims to remove the area or organ that has been affected by cancer. Minimally invasive surgery techniques, such as laparoscopic or robot-assisted surgery, has benefits over traditional open surgery including smaller wounds, less blood loss, lower postoperative pain and faster recovery.

For selected low-risk cancers, particularly prostate cancer, active surveillance is an important management approach. This involves close monitoring through regular tests and examinations, delaying or avoiding active treatment unless the cancer shows signs of progression.