Cancers of prostate, bladder, testis, kidney and penis

Dr Maharajh diagnoses, manages and treats cancers of the prostate, bladder, testis, kidney, penis, ureter and urethra.

Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate, which is the gland that produces a man's prostate fluid. It is one of the most common types of cancer, and some late symptoms include discomfort in the pelvis, erectile dysfunction, blood in the semen and difficulty urinating. However, most cancers are asymptomatic. Men can go for a prostate cancer screening called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to check for signs of the cancer, and if the disease is identified, further testing will be performed. Dr Maharajh may recommend further ultrasound to evaluate the prostate and may also collect a tissue sample for analysis and to determine if there are cancer cells present.

Bladder cancer
Some common symptoms of bladder cancer include blood in the urine, frequent and painful urination, and pelvic and back pain. In order to diagnose bladder cancer, Dr Maharajh will perform several tests, including cystoscopy, which involves the insertion of a thin tube into the urethra and allows the doctor to examine the inside of the bladder. During this test, she may also do a biopsy, in which a cell sample is taken for further testing. Urine testing may also be required, and imaging tests like x-rays, and CT scans may also be taken in order to make an accurate diagnosis. Once you have been properly diagnosed, Dr Maharajh will recommend the best cancer bladder treatment option for your particular needs

Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer can occur in one or both testicles, and is relatively rare. Some signs of testicular cancer include lumps in the testicles, pain in the abdomen or groin, pain and discomfort in the testicles or scrotum, and back pain. If you feel any symptoms, Dr Maharajh may recommend an ultrasound to determine the cause of the lumps and to assess the nature of them. She may also do some blood tests to check for tumour markers in the blood. If the lump is found to be cancerous, it may be necessary to surgically remove it for further analysis.

Kidney cancer
Kidney cancer develops in the kidneys, and can spread to other parts of the body. Although there are often no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, as it becomes more advanced, some signs include fatigue, unexplained weight loss, blood in the urine, and back pain. In order to diagnose the disease, Dr Maharajh will perform blood and urine tests and may recommend imaging tests like CT scans and MRIs in order to look for tumours or other abnormalities. In some cases, a small tissue sample may be taken for further testing

Penis cancer
Penile cancer occurs when cancerous cells form in the tissues of the penis, and can spread to other parts of the body. Some common symptoms include lumps on the penis, as well as redness and irritation. In order to properly diagnose the disease, Dr Maharajh will typically start by performing a full physical examination and will check the penis for signs of disease or abnormalities. She may take a small tissue sample for further testing. If penis cancer is diagnosed, Dr Maharajh will stage the cancer, and recommend treatment based on the stage of the disease and your particular needs.

DR SUHANI MAHARAJH

Dr Suhani Maharajh is a Specialist Urologist in Durban. After completing her undergraduate training summa cum laude at Nelson R Mandela School of medicine, she pursued her true passion and qualified as a urologist in 2012 and was awarded the Lionel B Goldscmidt Medal.

Read more about Dr Maharajh.

CONTACT

5th Floor, Suite 505 Umhlanga Medical Centre,
Netcare Umhlanga Hospital, 323 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 4319, Durban

+27 31 582 5587