Urologic oncology in Medellín
Prostate, bladder, kidney and testicular cancer, organized by organ
The urologic oncologist diagnoses and operates on tumors of the urinary tract and the male genital organs, and coordinates with medical oncology and radiotherapy when treatment requires it. MDE Care is not a clinic: we coordinate the assessment, the studies, the second opinion, the procedure and your stay in Medellín.
Support
from the first study to the follow-up
Which pathway applies to you, by organ?
Indicate your sex, choose your situation and answer two or three questions. We will show you the studies usually requested, the treatment usually considered and the priority, ready to quote.
1. Sex
Your guidance
Indicate your sex
Answer the questions to see the pathway usually followed.
* General guidance based on the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines and MedlinePlus. This is not a diagnosis or a prognosis: the pathway is defined by the urologist, ideally at a multidisciplinary board with oncology and radiotherapy. If you cannot urinate, have clots that block urination or a high fever, go to the emergency room.
How much does the urologic oncology pathway cost?
Choose the organ, the studies you do not have yet, the procedure and your stay if you are coming from another city. We will show you the price of each part and the estimated total.
Organ
Includes
Studies
Select what you do not have yet.
Procedure
Estimated total
Kidney pathway and your selection
COP 220,000 to COP 300,000
* Estimated market prices in Medellín, confirmed in the formal quote. Oncologic surgeries and kidney biopsy have no reliable public price and are quoted at the assessment; the total shows the other items. The stay corresponds to the partner recovery house, standard room.
Urologic cancer in numbers
Figures to put things in perspective, not to alarm: early detection changes the treatment options.
Prostate cancer in Colombia
71,609
Prevalent cases reported to the Colombian High-Cost Diseases Fund (Cuenta de Alto Costo) as of February 28, 2025 (preliminary data).
Age at diagnosis
69 years
Median age of men diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to the same source.
Late diagnosis
22.13%
Of new prostate cancer cases with a known stage were diagnosed at stage IV.
Kidney tumors
6 in 10
Are found by chance, on imaging done for another reason, according to the European guidelines.
What is urologic oncology?
It is the urology subspecialty devoted to diagnosing and treating cancers of the urinary tract and the male genital organs: prostate, bladder, kidney, urinary tract and testicle. The urologic oncologist performs the studies, interprets the pathology, operates and defines the plan with medical oncology and radiotherapy.
Urologic cancer does not always mean losing the organ or its function. Many are detected at stages with organ-sparing options: active surveillance in certain prostate cancers, partial nephrectomy for small kidney tumors or resection through the urethra in early bladder cancer.
What the specialist does for you
- Orders the studies in the right sequence, so they are not repeated
- Reads the pathology and explains what it means in your case
- Operates with organ-sparing techniques when possible
- Presents your case at a board with oncology and radiotherapy
- Coordinates follow-up with PSA, markers or imaging
The four most common urologic cancers
Each organ has its own warning sign, its own way of being confirmed and its own treatment.
Prostate
The risk increases with age, especially after 60. In the early stage it usually causes no symptoms.
Most common sign
High PSA or a nodule on the rectal exam
How it is confirmed
Multiparametric MRI and biopsy
See prostate and high PSABladder
Smoking accounts for about half of all cases. About 3 in 4 do not invade the muscle at diagnosis.
Most common sign
Blood in the urine, even if painless
How it is confirmed
Cystoscopy and resection (TURBT) with pathology
See cystoscopyKidney
Risk factors: smoking, obesity, high blood pressure and dialysis. Many are found by chance.
Most common sign
A mass on an ultrasound or CT scan
How it is confirmed
Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and chest
See nephrectomyTesticle
The most common cancer in young and middle-aged men, and one of the most treatable.
Most common sign
A painless lump or heaviness in the scrotum
How it is confirmed
Ultrasound, markers and orchiectomy
See testicular ultrasoundWhen should you see a urologic oncologist?
None of these signs means cancer on its own, but all of them deserve an orderly work-up.
Blood in the urine
Even if it happened once and without pain. It is the most common sign of bladder cancer.
High PSA at a check-up
It does not mean cancer, but it is investigated with an MRI before deciding on a biopsy.
Lump or heaviness in a testicle
A painless lump may be the only sign at first.
Kidney mass on imaging
Found on an ultrasound or CT scan done for another reason.
Family history
Father or brother with prostate cancer: check-ups may start earlier.
Second opinion
Before deciding on surgery or treatment, with your reports at hand.
If you have no symptoms and are looking for a preventive check-up, see cancer screening.
How urologic cancer is confirmed
Which test comes first and why, according to the European guidelines. Following the sequence avoids repeated studies and delays.
Prostate
- 1Blood PSA and rectal exam.
- 2Multiparametric MRI before the biopsy.
- 3Targeted and systematic biopsy.
- 4Grade group (Gleason) and stage.
Bladder
- 1Urinalysis and urine cytology.
- 2Ultrasound or CT urography of the urinary tract.
- 3Cystoscopy to see inside the bladder.
- 4TURBT: removes the tumor and provides the pathology.
Kidney
- 1Multiphase contrast-enhanced abdominal CT scan.
- 2Chest CT scan to complete the staging.
- 3Creatinine for kidney function.
- 4Biopsy in selected cases, always before an ablation.
Testicle
- 1Ultrasound of both testicles.
- 2AFP, beta-hCG and LDH markers.
- 3Orchiectomy through the groin, which confirms the diagnosis.
- 4CT scan of the chest, abdomen and pelvis.
Imaging is coordinated with CT scan and MRI services in Medellín.
Treatments by organ
The plan depends on the stage, the type of tumor and your health. These are the options usually considered.
Prostate
- Active surveillance for low risk
- Surgery to remove the prostate
- Radiotherapy or brachytherapy
- Hormone therapy for advanced disease
Bladder
- TURBT for tumors that do not invade the muscle
- BCG in the bladder for 1 to 3 years for high risk
- Radical cystectomy if it invades the muscle
- Prior chemotherapy or bladder-sparing treatment
Kidney
- Partial nephrectomy for T1 tumors
- Radical nephrectomy for large tumors
- Active surveillance for small masses
- Ablation if surgery carries a high risk
Testicle
- Radical orchiectomy through the groin
- Testicular prosthesis, if you wish
- Surveillance, chemotherapy or radiotherapy depending on the stage
- Sperm freezing before treatment
Partial or radical nephrectomy in Medellín
A nephrectomy is the surgery that removes a kidney tumor. In a partial nephrectomy, only the tumor is removed with a margin of healthy tissue and the rest of the kidney is preserved; in a radical nephrectomy, the whole kidney is removed together with the surrounding fat.
For T1 tumors, up to 7 cm and confined to the kidney, the European guidelines recommend the partial approach because it preserves kidney function. It is almost always performed laparoscopically, through 3 or 4 small incisions, which usually means less pain and a faster recovery than open surgery.
Which surgery is usually considered, by size
The T category of the tumor, measured on the CT scan, is the factor that weighs most. Its location within the kidney, the function of the other kidney and your general health also count.
T1a
Up to 4 cm
Partial nephrectomy
If the surgical risk is high: active surveillance or ablation, with a biopsy before the ablation.
T1b
4 to 7 cm
Partial nephrectomy
When technically feasible; otherwise, radical.
T2
Over 7 cm
Laparoscopic radical nephrectomy
Confined to the kidney and with no possibility of a partial one.
T3 or higher
Beyond the kidney
Radical nephrectomy, by a board
When the tumor extends beyond the kidney or into a vein, the plan is defined with oncology.
Partial, radical, surveillance or ablation
The four options for a localized kidney tumor, side by side. The urologist defines the right one based on the CT scan and your general health.
Partial nephrectomy
When it is considered
T1 tumors, up to 7 cm
The kidney
Preserved
Hospital stay of a few days
Quoted at the assessment
Radical nephrectomy
When it is considered
T2 tumors or those that do not allow a partial one
The kidney
Removed entirely
Hospital stay of a few days
Quoted at the assessment
Active surveillance
When it is considered
Masses up to 4 cm with no need for immediate treatment
The kidney
No intervention
No hospital stay
Quoted at the assessment
Ablation
When it is considered
T1 tumors in people with a high surgical risk
The kidney
Preserved
Needle-based procedure
Quoted at the assessment
Recovery from nephrectomy, by phase
By phase
Before
Studies and assessment
Contrast-enhanced CT scan, creatinine and pre-anesthetic assessment. If you take anticoagulants, your physician defines the adjustment.
Day of surgery
Laparoscopic nephrectomy
Through 3 or 4 small incisions and a camera; robot-assisted in selected cases.
Hospital stay
1 to 7 days
Depending on the type of surgery; the laparoscopic approach usually allows an earlier discharge.
Weeks 1 to 2
Light activity at home
Walking and gentle activities; return to work usually happens within a few weeks.
Until week 6
No heavy lifting
Do not lift more than 4.5 kg or make strenuous efforts for at least six weeks.
Pathology result
Confirms the type of tumor and whether the margins are clear; the follow-up is defined with it.
Kidney function
Follow-up visits include creatinine, especially after a radical nephrectomy or with only one kidney.
If you come from elsewhere
We coordinate the recovery house, at COP 759,900 (about US$190) per night in a standard room, until the first follow-up visit.
Risks of nephrectomy
Every surgery carries risks. The reference randomized trial compared 541 patients with tumors up to 5 cm treated with partial or radical nephrectomy: the partial approach had slightly more complications, in exchange for preserving the kidney.
Effects and complications
- Bleeding and infectionBoth techniques
- Urine leakageAfter partial
- Injury to nearby organsUncommon
- Failure of the remaining kidneyIf it does not work well
- Incisional herniaPossible
3.1% vs. 1.2%
Severe hemorrhage
Partial vs. radical, in the European trial of 541 patients.
4.4%
Urinary fistula
All after partial nephrectomy; radical had none.
4.4% vs. 2.4%
Reoperation for a complication
Partial vs. radical, in the same trial.
EORTC 30904 trial (Van Poppel et al., 2007), from an era of open surgery. Oncologic outcomes of both techniques were excellent in the follow-up published in 2011. The urologist explains your individual risk.
Second opinion and multidisciplinary board
After a cancer diagnosis, it is reasonable to seek a second opinion before deciding. In complex cases, such as muscle-invasive bladder cancer or an advanced kidney tumor, the European guidelines recommend deciding within a team of several specialties.
The board includes urology, medical oncology, radiotherapy, radiology and pathology. They review your studies and present the options with their benefits and effects, so that you can make an informed decision.
What to send for the review
- Pathology report of the biopsy or surgery
- Digital images and their reports: CT scan, MRI or ultrasound
- Recent tests: PSA, tumor markers or creatinine
- Summary of your medical history and previous treatments
- List of medications, especially anticoagulants
Your oncology assessment in Medellín, step by step
We organize the studies, the consultation and, if indicated, the procedure so that they happen in as few days as possible, with a clear pathway before you travel.
Step 1
Contact via WhatsApp
You send us your pathology reports, images and tests, and tell us about your situation.
Step 2
Case review
The urologist reviews your studies and proposes the pathway usually followed.
Step 3
Missing studies
CT scan, MRI, markers or cystoscopy, coordinated on arrival.
Step 4
Formal quote
With details of what is included, in Colombian pesos or US dollars.
Step 5
Procedure and stay
With the option of a recovery house: COP 759,900 (about US$190) per night in a standard room.
Step 6
Pathology and follow-up
Results consultation and follow-up plan before you return home.
What MDE Care does for you
We are neither a clinic nor a directory. We support you from your first question to the results consultation.
Initial guidance
We review your medical order or the reason for your visit before booking.
The right specialist
We connect you with the urologist who performs the procedure you need.
Clear prices
You know the price and what it includes before booking.
Appointments and tests
We coordinate the schedule, the preparation and the timing of each step.
Logistics support
Lodging and transportation if you are coming from another city or country.
Follow-up
We coordinate the results consultation and follow-up visits.
About urologic oncology
What is a urologic oncologist and when should you see one?
How much does a urologic oncology consultation cost in Medellín?
Does the whole kidney always have to be removed when there is a tumor?
Can blood in the urine be cancer?
Does a high PSA mean you have prostate cancer?
What is a bladder TURBT?
Can testicular cancer be cured?
Can you request a second opinion if you are coming from another city or country?
Other urology pages
Request your urologic oncology assessment
Send us your reports and your images. We will tell you the pathway usually followed in your case and the price before you travel.