At Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center in Dubai Healthcare City, consultant urologists Prof. Samir Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess and treat urological cancers, from the first tests to surgery, and coordinate with oncologists when radiotherapy or drug treatment is needed. This page outlines the warning signs, how each cancer is diagnosed and the main treatment options described in international guidance.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed: · Last updated:
Signs that need a prompt check-up
See a urologist without delay if you notice:
- Blood in the urine, even once and even without pain. The EAU guidelines name it as the most common symptom of cancer of the ureter and kidney lining, and it is also a key warning sign of bladder and kidney cancer. See blood in urine.
- A lump, swelling or change in a testicle.
- An abnormal PSA blood test result or a doctor’s concern about the prostate.
- A mass in the kidney found by chance on a scan done for another reason.
These signs often have harmless causes, such as infection or stones, but they need to be checked properly rather than watched at home.
How urological cancers are diagnosed
| Organ | Main tests | Main treatment options |
|---|---|---|
| Bladder | Urine tests, cystoscopy (camera test) with biopsy, then scans | Removal of the tumour through a scope, treatments placed into the bladder, bladder removal |
| Prostate | PSA blood test, MRI scan, biopsy if needed | Monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy |
| Kidney | Scans; a biopsy in selected cases | Removal of part or all of the kidney; other options in selected cases |
| Testis | Ultrasound and blood tumour markers | Removal of the testicle through the groin, then further treatment if needed |
Once cancer is confirmed, further scans show its size and whether it has spread (staging), and the treatment plan is built on these results.
Bladder cancer
According to the NHS, the main test is a cystoscopy, in which a thin camera is passed through the urethra into the bladder and a small sample can be taken; ultrasound, CT or MRI may follow to assess the stage. NICE explains that cancers that have not grown into the bladder muscle are first removed through a scope (TURBT) and then grouped by risk: some need no further treatment, others need medicine placed into the bladder through a catheter, and high-risk cases are offered a choice between BCG treatment and removal of the bladder (cystectomy). Regular cystoscopy checks follow. When the cancer has grown into the muscle, treatment is planned together with an oncologist. Read more about bladder cancer.
Prostate cancer
The NHS describes an MRI scan after referral to a specialist, followed by a biopsy with a small needle if more information is needed. Treatment depends on how the cancer behaves. According to the NHS, a small cancer that is not causing symptoms may simply be monitored (active surveillance or watchful waiting), while other options include surgery to remove the prostate (radical prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy and, mainly for advanced cancer, chemotherapy. Radiotherapy and drug treatments are given by oncologists, so these decisions are usually shared. See prostate cancer.
Kidney cancer
Many kidney cancers cause no symptoms. The EAU Guidelines on Renal Cell Carcinoma state that most are now found by chance on scans, and cite a study in which 60% of patients overall presented incidentally. For tumours that are still small and confined to the kidney (stage T1), the EAU guidelines recommend offering partial nephrectomy, which removes the tumour and keeps the rest of the kidney; removing the whole kidney is used for larger tumours or when a partial operation is not possible. See kidney cancer.
Testicular cancer
The EAU Guidelines on Testicular Cancer recommend an ultrasound of both testicles and blood tests for tumour markers before and after surgery. Removing the testicle through a cut in the groin, together with its spermatic cord, is the standard first step and also confirms the diagnosis. Sperm banking should be discussed before treatment, and a prosthesis offered. The marker results, tissue analysis and scans then guide whether further treatment is needed. Read our guide to orchiectomy.
Cancer of the ureter and kidney lining
These cancers grow from the same type of lining as bladder cancer. The EAU guidelines on upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma recommend CT (or MRI when CT is not suitable), urine cytology, a cystoscopy to check the bladder, and a diagnostic ureteroscopy when imaging and urine tests are not enough. Regular follow-up, including checks of the bladder, is needed because new tumours can appear there; the EAU guidelines base the follow-up schedule on the risk group and the treatment given. See ureter cancer.
Your care team at the centre
Prof. Samir Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa are consultant urologists at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center. They assess warning signs, arrange the tests needed for diagnosis, discuss surgical options when surgery is suitable, and coordinate with oncologists for radiotherapy, chemotherapy or hormone treatment. You will be told which steps happen at the centre and which are arranged with other specialists. Dr. Amer Mousa is a consultant urologist and robotic surgeon, and suitable cancer operations, such as radical prostatectomy and full or partial kidney removal, can be performed robotically. The centre is open 24 hours a day and accepts a number of health insurance plans. Coverage for cancer care depends on your insurer and policy, so check your cover before treatment starts.
Frequently asked questions
Which cancers do the centre's urologists treat?
Prof. Samir Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess and treat cancers of the bladder, prostate, kidney and testis, and assess tumours of the ureter and kidney lining. They handle diagnosis and surgery and coordinate with oncologists when radiotherapy or drug treatment is part of the plan.
What is the most common first sign?
Blood in the urine is the most important warning sign for bladder, kidney and ureter cancers, and the EAU guidelines call it the most common symptom of ureter and kidney lining cancer. Kidney cancer, however, often causes no symptoms and is found by chance on a scan.
Can the kidney be saved if a tumour is found?
Often, yes. For small tumours confined to the kidney, the EAU guidelines recommend partial nephrectomy, which removes the tumour and keeps the rest of the kidney. Removing the whole kidney is reserved for larger tumours or when a partial operation is not possible.
Does every prostate cancer need treatment straight away?
No. According to the NHS, small cancers that are not causing symptoms may be monitored with regular tests instead of immediate treatment. Others are treated with surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy. Your specialist team explains which option fits how your cancer is behaving.
Will I also see an oncologist?
Often, yes. NICE guidance says people whose bladder cancer has reached the muscle should be able to discuss further treatment with an oncologist, and radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone treatments are given by oncologists. The urologist coordinates with them so that surgery and other treatments fit one plan.
Is robotic surgery available for urological cancers?
Yes. Dr. Amer Mousa, consultant urologist and robotic surgeon, performs robotic cancer operations when they are suitable, such as radical prostatectomy and full or partial removal of the kidney.
Does insurance cover urological cancer treatment?
The centre accepts a number of health insurance plans, and coverage depends on your insurer and the details of your policy, including approvals for tests and surgery. Contact the centre before your visit to confirm whether your insurer is accepted, and check with your insurer which parts of cancer care are covered.
Sources
- Tests and next steps for bladder cancer – NHS
- Treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer – NICE NG2 information for the public
- Tests and next steps for prostate cancer – NHS
- Treatment for prostate cancer – NHS
- EAU Guidelines on Renal Cell Carcinoma – European Association of Urology
- EAU Guidelines on Testicular Cancer – European Association of Urology
- EAU Guidelines on Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma – European Association of Urology
Book a consultation
Prof. Samir Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess urological conditions at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City, and discuss the options that suit your case. Medical consultations are confidential.
Read more: Urologist in Dubai: doctors, services, insurance and booking
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.