Why Choose Modern Urology
Improving Patient Outcomes With State-of-the-Art Urologic Oncology Expertise. Discover Personalized Treatment Options for Urologic Cancers In Denver, CO and Beyond.
Experience Expert Urologic Cancer Care With Dr. Carolyn Fronczak
Ready to reclaim your quality of life and overall well-being? Dr. Carolyn Fronczak brings board-certified urologic oncology expertise to Weld County, offering individualized diagnosis and treatment for urologic cancers in Denver, CO and the surrounding region. From advanced genomic testing to minimally invasive procedures, her patient-centered approach is designed to deliver the right care for each person, drawing patients from across Colorado and beyond.
Men's Health - CONDITIONS WE TREAT
An enlarged prostate is medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. This common condition causes urinary problems for a significant number of men and becomes increasingly prevalent with age.
The prostate continues to grow throughout a man’s life. A normal prostate weighs approximately 30 to 40 grams, roughly the size of a walnut. It is also worth noting that cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissue growth can occur at the same time within the same gland.
As one experienced urologist put it, “50% of men currently see a urologist, and the remaining 50% will eventually see a urologist.” BPH can begin affecting men as early as age 45. By ages 50 to 60, half of all men will experience BPH-related symptoms. By age 80, that number rises to 90%.
As the prostate enlarges, it can press against the urethra, the tube responsible for draining urine from the bladder. This compression makes it difficult for urine to flow freely, similar to a kink in a garden hose. The bladder compensates by working harder to push urine through, but sustained overexertion causes the bladder wall to thicken and weaken over time. Eventually, the bladder muscle can essentially burn itself out, leading to a poorly functioning bladder.
Common symptoms of BPH include a weak urinary stream, frequent nighttime urination, dribbling, urgency, hesitancy, straining to void, and a persistent feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.
These symptoms should never be ignored. If the bladder weakens severely, it may lose the ability to empty on its own, potentially requiring lifelong catheter use. Chronic urinary retention can also lead to kidney damage or kidney failure.
It is important to know that bothersome urinary symptoms are not always caused by BPH alone. Bladder stones, urinary tract infections, urethral stricture, overactive bladder, and even urologic cancers can produce similar symptoms, making a proper evaluation essential.
Treatment options for an enlarged prostate range from prescription medications to in-office procedures to surgery. Medications commonly used include alpha blockers such as tamsulosin and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride, though both carry known sexual side effects that many patients find undesirable.
In-office procedures have transformed BPH management and now represent some of the most effective and least invasive options available. Dr. Fronczak offers both Urolift and Aquablation, two leading minimally invasive treatments for enlarged prostate, performed in a dedicated in-office procedure room.
Surgical options include transurethral resection of the prostate and robotic simple prostatectomy for more advanced cases. Dr. Fronczak also actively evaluates emerging prostate technologies and therapies on the horizon.
Nitrous oxide sedation is available for all in-office prostate procedures at our practice, helping patients feel comfortable and at ease throughout their treatment.
What Is PSA and Why Is It Elevated?
- PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen.
- PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland that circulates in the bloodstream. It is secreted by both normal and abnormal prostate cells. PSA is found exclusively in males.
- PSA levels are checked with a simple blood draw.
- PSA is a widely used screening tool for prostate cancer.
- If a patient has an elevated PSA, the underlying cause should be assessed by a urologist.
Schedule an appointment here if you need prostate cancer screening or have received an elevated PSA result.
- PSA can be elevated due to prostate cancer, but it can also rise because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary tract infections, recent ejaculation, bike riding, pelvic trauma, or recent urologic procedures including catheter placement.
- Dr. Fronczak offers the most current and precise diagnostic methods available to evaluate an elevated PSA.
How Do You Evaluate an Elevated PSA?
- Advanced technologies available today support well-informed, individualized decision-making regarding further testing for an elevated PSA. These tools have meaningfully reduced the need for unnecessary biopsies.
- These innovative options include but are not limited to:
- Genomic testing – targeted blood and urine tests that estimate the likelihood of detecting clinically significant prostate cancer on biopsy.
- Multiparametric Prostate MRI – an imaging study that may identify the location of potentially abnormal prostate tissue.
- UroNav MRI/Ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy for highly precise tissue sampling when a biopsy is warranted.
- Dr. Fronczak continues to actively evaluate new and emerging diagnostic technologies as they become available.
Dr. Fronczak’s Position on PSA Screening
PSA screening and a digital rectal exam should be pursued following an open, individualized conversation between patient and provider about the relevant risks and benefits.
PSA screening involves a simple blood test that measures prostate specific antigen, a protein secreted by the prostate and found exclusively in males. Both normal and abnormal prostate cells release PSA into the bloodstream.
A digital rectal exam is when a provider, using a gloved hand, inserts a finger through the rectum to manually assess the prostate for abnormalities in size or texture.
PSA screening and a digital rectal exam should both be performed in men with a life expectancy greater than 10 years. Screening can be completed by either a primary care provider or a urologist.
I support PSA screening in men with greater than 10 years of life expectancy.
I support starting screening at age 50 for men without a family history of prostate cancer, and at age 40 to 45 for men with a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Schedule an appointment here if you are due for prostate cancer screening.
An elevated PSA is traditionally defined as a value above 4 ng/ml, though the trend and rate of change over time also matter significantly, even when PSA remains below 4 ng/ml.
PSA can be elevated due to prostate cancer, but it can also rise in the setting of a larger prostate (BPH), urinary infections, recent ejaculation, bike riding, pelvic trauma, or recent urologic procedures including catheter placement.
Dr. Fronczak recommends 5 days of pelvic rest before PSA testing (pelvic rest = no sex, masturbation, ejaculation, or bike riding).
A normal PSA value paired with an abnormal digital rectal exam still requires further evaluation.
Dr. Fronczak offers the latest diagnostic methods to assess an elevated PSA and/or abnormal rectal exam findings and help patients make educated decisions about the need for additional testing, such as a prostate biopsy. These advanced tools have meaningfully reduced the need for unnecessary biopsies.
These innovative options include but are not limited to:
Genomic testing – more specific blood and urine tests that estimate the likelihood of detecting prostate cancer with a biopsy.
4K Score, SelectMDX, ExoDx, and additional emerging tests currently in development.
Why Get Evaluated for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the United States and ranks second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer-related death in men. Because prostate cancer can range from very low risk and slow-growing to highly aggressive and potentially life-threatening, proper evaluation is essential for every patient.
Goals of Prostate Cancer Evaluation and Treatment
- Maximize detection of lethal prostate cancer
- Accurately characterize the biology and behavior of the tumor
- Risk-stratify the cancer so that indolent, low-risk disease is not overtreated, while potentially lethal prostate cancers receive timely and appropriate intervention
What Does a Prostate Cancer Evaluation Involve?
- Evaluation typically begins with a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam
- Additional evaluation options now include genomic testing, multiparametric prostate MRI, and a targeted prostate biopsy when indicated
If you need an evaluation for prostate cancer, please schedule an appointment.
Prostate cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer in men in the United States and the second most common cause of cancer death among American men.
Certain factors are associated with a meaningfully increased risk of developing prostate cancer:
- Family history
- A father with prostate cancer makes a man 2x more likely to develop the disease
- A brother with prostate cancer increases that risk 4x
- Both a father and brother with prostate cancer raises the risk 8x
- Ethnicity
- African American men are 1.6x more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer
- African American men are 2.2x more likely to die from the disease
Dr. Fronczak takes a thorough, individualized approach to prostate cancer diagnosis and management. Using a combination of laboratory tests, advanced genomic testing tools such as SelectMDX, 4K Score, and Decipher, physical examination, UroNav fusion-guided biopsy, and in-depth patient consultation, she helps each patient understand their diagnosis and make a well-informed decision about treatment or active surveillance.
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfying sexual activity. It is not a normal or inevitable part of aging at any stage of life.
Dr. Fronczak conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying causes and contributing risk factors associated with ED. This evaluation may include checking testosterone levels, including bioavailable testosterone, to assess hormonal health. If testosterone testing is needed, labs should be drawn before 9am for the most accurate results.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated?
Treatment options for erectile dysfunction include oral medications such as sildenafil (Viagra) and generic tadalafil (Cialis), penile vacuum erection devices, couples or sex therapy, penile injection therapy, and penile prosthesis surgery.
Oral medications for ED are not always sufficient to produce an adequate erection, and that is entirely okay because effective alternatives exist.
A vacuum erection device and consultation with a sex therapist may also be explored as part of a personalized treatment plan.
The gold standard treatment for ED is a penile injection of an erectogenic medication. A very small amount of medication is injected directly into the shaft of the penis, producing an erection typically within 10 minutes. Common injectable medications include Trimix, Bimix, Quadmix, and alprostadil (Edex).
While the idea of a penile injection may sound uncomfortable or intimidating, the needle used is extremely small and the volume of medication is minimal. Most patients report little to no discomfort, and the resulting erection is most often excellent. Dr. Fronczak performs a supervised trial injection in the office and provides thorough guidance to help both the patient and his partner understand the process, risks, and benefits.
Key Points for Success With Injectable Erection Medications
- Only inject the smallest amount of medication needed to achieve the desired erection. Using too much can cause a priapism.
- A priapism is a prolonged erection that does not resolve on its own.
- If an erection lasts more than 3 to 4 hours, it can cause permanent damage to erectile tissue and lead to irreversible erectile dysfunction. Seek immediate medical attention if this occurs.
- Trimix is very safe when used correctly and at the appropriate dose.
- Dr. Fronczak emphasizes to her patients that a small amount of this medication goes a long way.
- When beginning injectable therapy, it is important to increase the dose slowly and gradually over time.
- For example, start with 0.05ml and increase by 0.05ml increments every 24 to 48 hours until the desired erection is achieved.
- If the desired result is not achieved, the medication dosage may need adjustment or the medication may have expired. Discuss any concerns with Dr. Fronczak.
- Store injectable medication in the refrigerator to extend its usability beyond the expiration date.
In advanced or refractory cases of erectile dysfunction, penile prosthesis surgery may be the most appropriate and effective long-term solution.
Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is important for overall male wellness and vitality.
Testosterone therapy may offer meaningful benefits for men with confirmed low levels, including improved libido and sexual function, increased lean body mass, reduced anemia, and relief from symptoms of depression.
Testosterone is measured through a blood test that must be drawn before 9am to ensure an accurate result, as levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day and are highest in the morning.
If testosterone levels come back low, additional follow-up blood tests will be ordered to further evaluate the underlying cause. These additional labs should also be drawn before 9am and require an 8-hour fast beforehand for the most reliable results.
Men can experience a wide range of bladder-related concerns, sometimes connected to prostate health and sometimes arising from entirely separate causes.
Other potential contributing factors include overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder stones, overflow incontinence, or in some cases a more serious underlying condition such as bladder cancer. A thorough evaluation is always warranted to identify the true source of symptoms.
Bothersome bladder symptoms in men, including urinary leakage, urgency, and frequency, are never a normal or accepted part of aging. These symptoms deserve proper medical attention and effective treatment.
Dr. Fronczak has extensive expertise in the evaluation and management of male urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction.
Different types of incontinence require different treatment approaches, and it is common for a patient to experience more than one type simultaneously.
Dr. Fronczak conducts a thorough, individualized assessment to accurately identify the type or types of incontinence present and has significant experience delivering both nonsurgical interventions and surgical treatments for all forms of urinary incontinence. Treatment options available at the practice include bladder Botox, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, sacral neuromodulation, and additional advanced therapies tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Urinary leakage, medically known as urinary incontinence, is something no one should have to simply live with or accept.
Bladder leakage at any age is not a normal part of life or a natural consequence of getting older. It is a treatable medical condition that deserves proper evaluation and care.
Incontinence can have a significant impact on quality of life. Leakage is often embarrassing, and managing it with pads and protective products can be costly over time. It is also important to recognize that urinary leakage, urgency, and frequency can occasionally signal a more serious underlying condition such as bladder cancer, making a thorough evaluation essential.
Dr. Fronczak has deep expertise in the diagnosis and management of urinary incontinence in both men and women.
Different types of incontinence require different treatment strategies, and many patients present with more than one type at the same time.
Common forms of incontinence include overactive bladder (OAB), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and overflow incontinence. Leakage can also result from urinary tract infections or weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Dr. Fronczak is committed to offering patients a full spectrum of treatment options, beginning with conservative approaches such as behavioral modifications and pelvic floor physical therapy, and progressing to medications and advanced interventional therapies when needed. These include bladder Botox, Bulkamid, midurethral sling, posterior tibial nerve stimulation, sacral neuromodulation, and E-coin, among others.
The practice has significant experience delivering both nonsurgical and surgical solutions for all types of urinary incontinence, with care tailored to each patient’s individual needs and lifestyle.
- Urodynamic testing
- Evaluation and treatment of urinary retention
- Hydrocelectomy
- Spermatocelectomy
- Varicocelectomy
- Circumcision (ages 14 and up)
- Cystolitholapaxy – removal of bladder stones
A bladder tumor is a broad term that includes both benign growths and malignant lesions, each requiring careful and thorough evaluation to determine the appropriate course of action.
Bladder tumors are identified through several diagnostic pathways. They are most commonly discovered during a workup for hematuria, which is the presence of blood in the urine. They may also be found incidentally on cross-sectional imaging studies such as a CT scan or ultrasound that reveal abnormalities along the bladder wall. In some cases, bladder tumors are detected during a cystoscopic examination performed for an unrelated urological concern, such as recurrent urinary tract infections or voiding dysfunction.
- Assessing a bladder tumor begins with cystoscopy, a visual examination of the bladder lining performed using a thin, flexible scope.
- Cystoscopy is an endoscopic bladder examination conducted right in the office after applying lidocaine gel for local urethral anesthesia. Nitrous oxide is also available to help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Bladder tumors require surgical removal because untreated lesions tend to grow over time, can cause significant bleeding in the urine, and frequently turn out to be malignant. Prompt removal is essential to prevent cancer from spreading beyond the bladder wall.
- Removal of a bladder tumor can sometimes be accomplished through an in-office procedure for smaller lesions. Larger or more complex tumors require transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), which is performed in a surgical suite.
- For office-based bladder tumor removal, nitrous oxide is available to optimize patient comfort during the procedure.
- Bladder tumor excision is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
- Following tumor removal, pathological analysis of the resected tissue is essential to determine whether the growth is malignant and, if so, how deeply it has invaded the bladder wall. This information becomes available once a pathologist completes microscopic examination of the tissue sample and directly shapes the next steps in care.
- Based on pathology results, Dr. Fronczak develops an individualized post-resection treatment plan for each patient. Depending on findings, this may include surveillance cystoscopy, intravesical chemotherapy instillations delivered directly into the bladder, or more advanced surgical intervention such as radical cystectomy when necessary.
All treatment recommendations are guided by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and American Urological Association (AUA) evidence-based clinical guidelines, ensuring patients receive care that reflects the most current standards in urologic oncology.
Renal cell carcinoma, the most common form of kidney cancer, is frequently discovered by chance on abdominal imaging obtained for an unrelated medical reason rather than through a targeted kidney evaluation.
Kidney cancer may also be identified during a diagnostic workup for hematuria, including persistent microscopic blood detected in routine urine samples.
In early-stage disease, kidney tumors rarely cause noticeable flank pain or discomfort as an initial symptom, which is why incidental detection on imaging is so common.
Treatment options for a renal mass depend on the size of the tumor and its anatomical location within the kidney. Depending on these factors, appropriate approaches may include thermal ablation performed by an interventional radiology specialist, or surgical removal through a nephron-sparing partial nephrectomy that preserves as much healthy kidney tissue as possible, or a radical nephrectomy when complete removal of the kidney is the most appropriate course of action.
Testicular cancer is most often identified through a physical examination that reveals a palpable lump or abnormal mass within the testicle. These growths typically present without pain or tenderness, which is why routine self-examination plays such an important role in early detection.
Performing a monthly testicular self-exam is one of the most effective ways to catch changes early. This can be done conveniently and privately during a bath or shower.
If you notice an unusual lump, firmness, or change in the size or shape of a testicle, schedule a prompt clinical evaluation with Dr. Fronczak. Early detection of testicular cancer is associated with excellent outcomes, and timely assessment is always the right step.
Our Proven Process for Urologic Cancers In Denver, CO
Comprehensive Evaluation to Confident Treatment
Dr. Fronczak has built a clear, patient-centered pathway for cancer diagnosis and treatment that removes uncertainty and keeps patients informed at every stage.
Step 1: Advanced Diagnostic Assessment
Your care begins with high-definition cystoscopy and in-office ultrasound imaging performed in a dedicated procedure room. Dr. Fronczak uses today’s most precise diagnostic tools, including UroNav MRI/ultrasound fusion-guided biopsy and advanced genomic testing options such as SelectMDX, isoPSA, and 4K Score, to accurately characterize your condition from the very first visit.
Step 2: Personalized Treatment Planning
Once pathology results and tumor staging are established, an individualized treatment strategy is developed in alignment with NCCN and AUA clinical guidelines. Options range from minimally invasive in-office procedures, supported by nitrous oxide for patient comfort, to advanced surgical interventions. Every option is explained clearly so you can make a fully informed decision about your care.
Step 3: Coordinated Care Delivery
Whether your treatment involves laser ablation, intravesical chemotherapy, or surgical resection performed at an affiliated facility such as UCHealth Broomfield or Saint Anthony North, you receive seamless coordination and consistent support throughout your entire cancer care journey.
Step 4: Ongoing Surveillance and Support
Effective cancer care extends well beyond initial treatment. Dr. Fronczak provides comprehensive post-treatment surveillance protocols, access to genetic testing through active clinical trials, and long-term monitoring designed to protect your health and support the best possible outcomes over time.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Fronczak for Urologic Cancer Care
When it comes to urologic cancers in Denver, CO, patients want more than a diagnosis. They want a specialist who takes the time to understand their individual situation and offers the most advanced options available.
Dr. Carolyn Fronczak is a board-certified urologist serving Weld County and the greater Denver and Boulder region, with patients traveling from Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Arizona, and beyond to receive her care. Her practice maintains a 4.8-star Google rating and a 5 out of 5 patient satisfaction score, reflecting a consistent standard of personalized, high-quality treatment.
From the first visit, you benefit from in-office high-definition cystoscopy, on-site ultrasound, and access to cutting-edge genomic testing and UroNav fusion-guided biopsy, all under one roof. For patients diagnosed with cancer, Dr. Fronczak also offers access to active clinical trials, including genetic testing for cancer patients, giving you options that extend beyond standard care.
This is an independent private practice, which means your care is never rushed, never impersonal, and always focused on what is right for you.
Ready to Begin Your Care Journey?
Patients travel from across Colorado and multiple surrounding states to receive Dr. Fronczak’s specialized expertise in urologic oncology. Schedule your consultation today and experience a practice where advanced diagnostic technology meets personalized, compassionate care rooted in Weld County and serving the greater Denver and Boulder region.