John Muir Health logo
  • Patients
    About MyChart
    Locating Patients
    Medicare
    New Patients
    Payment & Insurance
    Physician Open Payments Notice
    Preparing for Surgery
    Pre-Register for a Visit
    Registration & Forms
    Request a Health Record
    Security Center
    Video Visits
    Why Choose Us
  • Services
    Addiction Medicine
    Behavioral Health
    Cancer
    Cardiovascular Services
    Digestive Health
    Emergency Services
    Lab Services
    Medical Imaging
    Neurosciences
    Orthopedics
    Pediatrics
    Physical Rehabilitation
    Pregnancy & New Parent
    Primary Care
    Urgent Care
    ALL SERVICES
  • Education
    Classes, Screenings & Support Groups
    Clinical Trials
    Conditions & Treatments
    Health & Wellness
  • Health Professionals
    Careers
    Clinical Research
    Family Medicine Residency Program
    John Muir Medical Group
    Medical Staff
    Nursing
    Pharmacy Residency Program
    Resources
    Training & Education
    Video & Publication Center
  • About Us
    Annual Reports
    Awards & Recognition
    Board of Directors
    Community Commitment
    Employers, Brokers, & Health Plans
    Executive Team
    Make a Gift
    Mission & Vision
    Partnerships
    Media Center
MyChart Login
  • Find a location
  • Find a doctor
  • Pay a bill
  • Find a job
✕

Latest information on COVID-19 >

Urologic Cancer Diagnosis

  1. Home
  2. Services
  3. Cancer
  4. What We Treat
  5. Urologic Cancer Services
  6. Diagnosis
Urologic Cancer Services
  • Bladder Cancer
  • Kidney Cancer
  • Prostate Cancer
  • Testicular Cancer
  • Diagnosis
  • Screening & Early Detection
  • Treatments
  • Recovery

Urologic Cancer Diagnosis

Because we have treated many patients with urological conditions, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to accurately diagnose your cancer and move quickly into treatment.

Depending on the type of urological cancer that is suspected, we have a number of diagnostic tests we may run to determine the nature and extent of the cancer.

Our goal is to quickly make an accurate diagnosis so we can begin treatment immediately.

Blood Tests – If prostate or testicular cancer is suspected, blood tests may be used to detect the presence of certain proteins or hormones that could be indicative of cancer.

Imaging Tests – Sophisticated imaging tools like computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, or ultrasound are often used to detect if a solid mass is present and has spread to other sites. Imaging tests are used to test for cancers of the bladder, kidney, prostate, and testicles.

Cytoscope – To help us diagnose bladder cancer, we may insert a flexible camera-equipped cytoscope through the urethra into the bladder to examine this area.

Intravenous Pyelography (IVP) – For this painless, specialized x-ray procedure, a dye is injected into a vein that flows through the urinary system making it easier for us to assess the kidney and bladder.

Biopsy Procedures – Biopsies, in which a sample of tissue is removed and evaluated, are often used to confirm if prostate or testicular cancer is present.

Targeted MRI/Ultrasound Fusion - MRI technology combined with the standard ultrasound imaging from the trans-rectal ultrasound prostate exam to create a 3D roadmap of the patient’s prostate exposing areas that were previously not visible during traditional ultrasound screening. This thorough diagnostic technology has led to the discovery of early stage tumors improving the patient’s prognosis and treatment options.

The technology combines two systems, the DynaCAD for Prostate and the UroNav fusion biopsy system. This advanced technology fuses pre-biopsy MR images of the prostate with ultrasound guided biopsy images in real time, for excellent visualization and targeting of the possible prostate cancer. It is poised to become the new standard in prostate care.

Benefits

  • A normal Prostate MRI is 90 percent accurate for excluding the presence of prostate cancer. A normal MRI may eliminate the need for a prostate biopsy, avoiding the discomfort and small risk associated with a biopsy.
  • Prostate MRI can potentially identify specific areas within the gland that are suspicious and require further evaluation.
  • Performing biopsy with MRI/ultrasound fusion guided is more accurate in targeting the suspicious areas, which may have been “hiding” in the prostate.
  • Finding cancer early means treatment begins earlier and outcomes are better.

Who is a candidate?

  • Patients with elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) level 4 or greater.
  • Patients with prior negative trans-rectal ultrasound guided biopsy with continued elevation or rising PSA.
  • Patients with positive digital rectal examination with negative trans-rectal ultrasound guided biopsy.

Learn about urologic and prostate cancer treatment options

Hi! I'm here to help answer your questions.
Chat
ABOUT
About Us
Board of Directors
Executive Team
Awards & Recognition
Partnerships
Community Commitment
Employers, Brokers & Health Plans
NEWS & PRESS
Media Center
Annual Reports
GET INVOLVED
Careers
Volunteer
Make a Gift
CONTACT
Email Us
PRIVACY
Patient Privacy
Website Privacy
Terms of Use
Security Center
Follow Us

© John Muir Health All rights reserved.

John Muir Health is accredited by The Joint Commission. 

We use cookies to measure website traffic and personalize content for a better browsing experience. By using this website, you consent to our cookies. For more details, see our Website Privacy Policy.