Genitourinary Tumors

The genitourinary system includes both the organs of the urinary system and the organs of the reproductive system. The term combines both organ systems because they exist in the continuity with each other.

Although the word cancer may sound alarming, there are numerous treatment options for cancers that occur in the genitourinary system.

• Genitourinary tumors occur when a mutation occurs within the DNA of the cells that make up different organs in the genitourinary system. The cells start multiplying out of control and form a mass.
• The tumor can be cancerous or benign.

The signs and symptoms of tumors in the genitals, such as in the testicles in boys, may present as a painless growth or a mass. In girls, these may be present with non-specific abdominal or urinary symptoms.

Tumors in the urinary tract often mimic the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, or other conditions of the urinary system.

Symptoms that indicate a tumor within the kidneys or bladder include:

• Blood in the urine
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss
• Anemia
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Changes in normal urine flow

• Once a patient is diagnosed with a genitourinary tumor, the physician may biopsy or remove the tumor to determine if it is benign or cancerous.
• Benign tumors of the genitourinary system typically only need to be surgically removed if they are causing problems with normal organ function or causing pain.
• Ultimately, different treatment options are recommended by a physician based on where the tumor is located, problematic symptoms it is causing, what stage of cancer it is, and how large it is.