Dr. Pavel Gavrilov

The most typical symptom is painless blood in the urine, even if it happens only once. It should always be checked. The main risk factor is smoking; exposure to certain industrial chemicals also plays a role.

Diagnosis

• Cystoscopy: examination of the inside of the bladder with a thin endoscope
• Urine test and cytology
• CT scan (CT urography) to study the kidneys, ureters and bladder

Treatment

• Transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT): the tumour is removed through the urethra. It is used for diagnosis and, in superficial tumours, also as treatment.
• Bladder instillations (BCG or chemotherapy) to reduce the risk of the tumour coming back.
• Radical cystectomy (removal of the bladder) with reconstruction of the urinary tract when the tumour invades the muscle. In selected cases it is performed robotically and often after chemotherapy.

Follow-up with regular cystoscopies is essential, as these tumours can recur.

Today many kidney tumours are found by chance, on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason, while they are still small. At more advanced stages they may cause blood in the urine, lower back pain or weight loss.

Diagnosis

CT scan or MRI. In some cases a biopsy is also performed.

Treatment

• Active surveillance: for small tumours and selected patients, regular check-ups without immediate surgery.
• Partial nephrectomy: only the tumour is removed and the rest of the kidney is preserved. Whenever possible it is performed robotically.
• Radical nephrectomy: removal of the whole kidney when the tumour is large or in a position that does not allow the kidney to be preserved.

No. It can be caused by infections, stones or prostate problems, among other things. But it should always be investigated, especially in smokers and people over 40.

Yes, with normal kidney function. Even so, whenever possible the kidney is preserved with a partial nephrectomy to protect long-term kidney function.

Small incisions, less bleeding and pain, a shorter hospital stay and a magnified view that allows very precise surgery. Whether it is the best option for you, we will discuss together.

Yes. Smoking is the main risk factor for bladder cancer and also increases the risk of kidney cancer. Stopping smoking lowers the risk over the years and also helps during treatment.

For bladder cancer, regular cystoscopies are done because it can come back: every few months at first and then less often. For kidney cancer, follow-up uses blood tests and imaging. The schedule is tailored to each case.