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HEALTH |
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Advanced urological cancer
is curable, say experts
Our CorrespondentLudhiana, November 6
In the past, most prostate cancer was not diagnosed until symptoms appeared. By that time, cells had produced secondaries and often spread to other sites around the body. Tests to establish the presence of prostate cancer included a blood test known as prostate specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal examination (DRE), biopsy of the prostate, and various scan which can establish the location of cancer cells. Nowadays there is an emphasis on early diagnosis and radical treatment, said Dr Abhay Rana, consultant urologist at the East Surrey Hospital, UK. Dr Rana is also one of the pioneers in laparoscopic surgery in urology in the UK. Dr Rana was in the city to attend a conference on urology at the Christian Medical College and Hospital here today. Bleeding in the urine (hematuria) warrants immediate attention, pointed out Prof Andreas J. Gross from Germany. He said in the aged population, the most common cause of blood in the urine was the cancer of the urinary bladder. Elaborate tests and cystoscopy helped to confirm the diagnosis. Most of the bladder tumors could be treated successfully by endoscopic operations without any incision, asserted Dr Gross. Dr Kim Mammen, Professor and Head, Department of Urology, CMC, emphasised that advanced bladder cancer could also be treated with radical operation where the urinary bladder was removed and the lower urinary tract reconstructed with intestinal segments. Dr Kim Mammen, who is also the president of the north zone chapter of the Urological Society, highlighted that India had a high incidence of bladder cancer due to smoking, dietary habits and changing lifestyle. Dr Peter Remington, consultant urologist, Eastbourne, UK, talked about recent technical advances of removing urinary bladders and reconstructing the lower urinary tract using laparoscopic techniques. Dr Remington is one of the few experts in Europe who has acquired expertise in this technique. He also has special interests in aviation medicine, diving medicine and traumatology. Dr Remington had started his career in South Africa.
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