Potomac Urology : Urologic Cancers Specialist in Woodbridge | Alexandria VA

Potomac Urology Urologic Cancers Specialist in Woodbridge|Alexandria VA

Our Mission Potomac Urology is dedicated to providing personalized, state-of-the-art urology treatmentswith exceptional care and compassion. Our providers bring a combination of expertise, innovation, and skill to partner with patients so they may achieve the best possible outcomes. We are physicians with extensive clinical experience and, unique fellowship certifications in the subspecialties of urology, and we have trained at the leading urology programs in the country. Our experienced nurse practitioners are committed to making care accessible and individualized. At Potomac Urology, we strive to bring you the best urological care along with the convenience and comfort of staying close to home.

Treatment for Urologic Cancers

Prostate Cancer The prostate is a gland that surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that transports urine and sperm out of the body. The main function of the prostate is to produce semen, the milky fluid that transports sperm. Sperm is produced in the testicles, which also produce the main male hormone testosterone.

During orgasm, the muscles of the prostate contract to push the semen through the urethra and out through the penis.Prostate cancer is a malignant process originating in the prostate gland.

It is the most common non-skin cancer that men face. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the U.S.Prostate cancer usually begins in the outer part of the prostate. In most men, the cancer grows very slowly, though there are more aggressive forms

as well. Prostate cancer is characterized by both "grade" and "stage." The size and extent of the tumor determine its stage. Early stage prostate cancer, Stages T1 and T2, are limited to the prostate gland. Stage T3 prostate cancer has advanced to tissue immediately outside the gland. Stage T4 prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

It is a serious condition, but with early detection and appropriate treatment often has a very high likelihood of cure. In addition, in select cases, prostate cancer may not require treatment, and can be watched to ensure it does not worsen – a process called active surveillance. With many therapies and surveillance strategies available to a patient it is very important that he be educated about screening, detection, and possible treatments.

The most effective means of detecting prostate cancer early is through a screening, which involves a digital rectal exam and measuring the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.

At Potomac Urology, we have extensive experience both diagnosing and treating prostate cancers, as well as other conditions of the prostate. We will obtain a PSA. This test detects most prostate cancers. PSA is a protein secreted by the prostate into the bloodstream.

Elevated levels of this protein may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Additionally, we may obtain urinary genetic tests (PCA3), which represent the latest tools in the detection of cancer. This test will further direct us as to whether suspect cancer as a cause of elevated PSA. If cancer is suspected, we will discuss prostate biopsy as the best method of cancer detection.

By removing a tissue sample from the tumor and examining it, doctors can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of cancer.

If a localized prostate cancer is diagnosed then our experienced physicians will extensively counsel the patient on all available treatment strategies. Currently we offer all of the FDA and American Urological Association suggested treatments for this disease.

These include:

Surgery – This involves separating the prostate from the bladder and urethra, removing the prostate, and reconnecting the urethra and bladder. This can be done with a small open incision, or with a surgical robot for a more minimally invasive approach. We are the first and only group of urologists in Prince William County to perform the minimally invasive robotic surgery for prostate cancer, and have done hundreds of robotic prostatectomies, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Radiation – This involves either implanting radioactive seeds within the prostate, or traditional external radiation. We offer both of these options to all of our patients with prostate cancer, and work in close conjunction with radiation oncologist to ensure all patients get the right treatment.

Active Surveillance – We have extensive experience selecting appropriate patients for active surveillance, which involves further PSA and PCA3 testing, and periodic additional biopsies to confirm the cancer is not advancing. This technique is well suited to some men with slow growing cancers.

Cryotherapy – This involves using needles to freeze the prostate and kill the cancer and surrounding prostate tissue.

Each of these treatments has unique risks and benefits. Exploring and understanding each are the most important in curing cancer and preserving the maximum quality of life.

We are happy to see patients who have concerns about prostate cancer to discuss the screening process, as well as patients who are coming for a second opinion regarding their previously diagnosed prostate cancer. Many patients are not offered a robotic surgical option, and we are happy to discuss this at length.

In cases where you are coming for a second opinion, please bring the following information with you or have it sent directly to us.

1. Recent PSAs 2. Biopsy report 3. Prior urology records including ultrasound images/reports

Kidney Cancer Kidney cancer is a serious medical condition that requires experience and expertise to treat with the best outcomes. New medical therapies and minimally invasive techniques have changed our approach to this disease. Today we offer many technically advanced ways to approach these tumors.

Our surgical goal is first and foremost the effective control of cancer. Then we focus on saving as much function of each kidney as possible. In the majority of patients the entire kidney does not have to be removed. This technique of “partial nephrectomy” spares kidney tissue that is not involved by the tumor. We are proud to be among the first urologists in this area to offer minimally invasive kidney sparing surgery for cancer. These techniques include cryotherapy (freezing of the tumor), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, and robotic assisted partial nephrectomy.

Occasionally, it may be necessary to remove the entire kidney. In most of these cases the kidney can be removed through a laparoscopic procedure. This “keyhole” surgery decreases blood loss, recovery time, pain, and postoperative complications.

Success in these therapies us based on our extensive training and experience. We were the first ones to perform all of these surgeries at Potomac Hospital, and continue to bring evolving techniques to the area.

Bladder Cancer Bladder Cancer affects approximately 70,000 in this country every year, and is involved in the deaths of over 14,000 people per year in the

United States alone. Many things can affect one's risk for bladder cancer including:

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smoking workplace chemicals history of certain types of chemotherapy parasitic infections sex(male>female) race (caucasian>hispanic and african-american) family history and personal history of bladder cancer

The most common symptom related to bladder cancer is the presence of blood in the urine.

This can occur in a fashion where one can see the blood with the naked eye(gross hematuria), and can occur with the blood only being visible with a microscope(microscopic hematuria).

Other symptoms can include irritative urinary symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency and dysuria. However these symptoms are all non-specific and can be related to a whole range of problems ranging from infection to prostate enlargement.

Diagnosis of bladder cancer involves multiple tests, all of which the staff at Potomac Urology are fully trained to provide. Testing includes:

● Laboratory tests: urinalysis(microscopic evaluation of the urine), urinary cytology( evaluation of the cells of the urinary tract), and basic bloodwork. ● Radiologic studies: CT scan to check for possible cancer in the urinary system above the bladder. ● Cystoscopy: Usually done as an office procedure, this involves using a extremely small and flexible scope to inspect the bladder and urethra. If any suspicious areas are identified, a biopsy may need to be performed.

Treatment of bladder cancer is varied, and our fellowship trained staff at Potomac Urology tailors it individually to each patient based on severity and extent of disease, as well as patient preference. Initial treatments can cover a range including:

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close observation after biopsy repeat cystoscopic removal of cancerous tissue(TURBT) a series of fluid based treatment instillations in the bladder removal of the bladder surgically(cystectomy)

With the exception of bladder removal(cystectomy), the majority of these treatments can be performed either in the office or on an outpatient basis.

If removal of the bladdder is required, our physicians are among a few in the area proficient at performing this in a minimally invasive fashion using the Da Vinci robotic system. Benefits of this include faster recovery time, less blood loss, decreased post-operative pain, and smaller visible scars. In addition, our staff is trained in a number of reconstructive options ranging from creation of a neo-bladder ( creation of a new bladder out of intestinal segments) to a urinary conduit( involving creation of a urinary stoma).

Testicular Cancer Testicular cancer is a cancer affecting the male reproductive glands of the scrotum. It may have many symptoms, but is often first detected as a palpable mass. One of the key tools of early detection is regular self-examination. It is a cancer that often affects men in young adulthood and is the most common cancer in men 29 to 35. Treatment options will depend on type and stage of the cancer. Treatment will often encompass a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Overall, this is a rare cancer and effective treatment involves seeing an urologist that is familiar with these cancers. Dr. P. Desai has completed a fellowship in Urologic Oncology at Indiana University. This is the leading center in the world for testicular cancer treatment. Very high cure rates for this disease are testament to the need for effective and experienced care.