Email this pageUrethral Cancer
What is Urethral Cancer?
Urethral cancer is an extremely rare form of cancer (only about 700 cases reported worldwide). Cancer develops in the urethra as the result of abnormal cell growth within the urethra. The urethra is the tube that empties urine from the bladder and, in men, carries semen out of the body
Types of Urethral Cancer
There are several different types of urethral cancer, depending on the types of cells and its location within the urethra.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: most common type of urethral cancer; develops within flat, scaly surf
- Transitional cell carcinoma: develops in surface cells of the urethra
- Adenocarcinoma: develops in glands near the urethra
- Melanoma: extremely rare; develops in pigment-producing skin cells
- Sarcoma: extremely rare; develops in blood vessels, smooth muscle, and connective tissues
- Anterior: cancer develops in the part of the urethra that is closest to the outside of the body
- Posterior: cancer develops in the part of the urethra closest to the bladder
Risk Factors of Urethral Cancer
Urethral cancer is such a rare form of cancer that a body of risk factors has been difficult to determine. Following are some of the risk factors researchers have found so far:
- Gender. This type of cancer develops more often in women than in men
- Race. Urethral cancer is more common in whites than in African-American
- Age. Can occur at any age, but occurs most often in patients in their 60's.
- Medical history. Patients with a history of bladder cancer, venereal disease, sexually transmitted diseases, seem to have a higher risk of developing this disease.
Common Symptoms of Urethral Cancer
Urethral cancer is difficult to diagnose because early on-set does not usually produce symptoms. Likewise, symptoms of urethral cancer are similar to other, more common, conditions. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty or pain urinating
- Diminished urine stream and staining to void
- Blood in the urine
- Frequent urination and increased nighttime urination
- Incontinence
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Persistent or recurrent urinary tract infections
- Itching
Diagnosing Urethral Cancer
If symptoms are present, your doctor will perform a complete physical exam and will feel for lumps in the urethra. He/she may also perform various tests to rule out other medical conditions. If your doctor suspects cancer, he/she may then perform a biopsy. During a biopsy, the doctor will thoroughly examine the bladder and urethra, they surgically remove a small piece of tissue to examine under a microscope and look for cancer cells. This procedure is usually performed on an out-patient basis and under general anesthesia.
Treatment Options for Urethral Cancer
Once the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, your doctor will work with you to determine the best plan of treatment. Treatment will depend upon the type and stage (progress) of the disease, as well as your age and general health.
James P. Wilmot Cancer Center
