Symptoms that may need assessment
- Painless blood in the urine
- A rising or abnormal PSA blood test
- New or rapidly worsening urinary symptoms in an older man
- A painless lump or firmness in a testis
- Persistent pain in the side, or a mass felt in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss with any of the above
How it is assessed
The diagnostic pathway depends on the organ and the findings. Tests may include PSA and prostate examination, ultrasound, CT or MRI, cystoscopy, and tissue examination where appropriate. Some kidney tumours can be assessed adequately on imaging without a biopsy before treatment. The specialist will explain which tests are needed and what they can and cannot establish.
How it is treated
Management depends on the site, the stage and your general health, and is discussed frankly. Endoscopic and surgical treatment is provided where it falls within the scope of this hospital. Where chemotherapy, radiotherapy or complex multi-specialty cancer surgery is required, you are referred to an appropriate oncology centre — clearly and without delay, rather than being kept on for treatment that belongs elsewhere.
