URETHRAL CANCER

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Urethral cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the tube that carries urine out of the body (urethra). When you use the restroom, urine travels from your bladder through a passage called the urethra. In men, this tube passes through the prostate and penis, while in women, it’s shorter and ends above the vagina’s opening. Urethral cancer occurs when cells in this area grow abnormally and uncontrollably.

Who’s Most Likely to Get It?

Urethral cancer is more common in people over 60. Certain factors can increase your risk, such as:

• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) causing urethral inflammation
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV 16. The HPV vaccine protects against this strain and is recommended for boys and girls at ages 11 or 12. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is approved for males and females ages 9 to 45 for HPV prevention.

What are the symptoms?

Early on, there might not be any symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, you might experience:

• Difficulty urinating
• Weak urine flow or inability to hold urine
• Increased urination, especially at night
• Pain while urinating
• Blood in the urine or discharge from the urethra
• A lump or swelling in the groin or penis

These symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but it’s crucial to see a doctor to determine the cause.

Types of Urethral Cancer

There are three main types of urethral cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type, affecting the part of the urethra near the bladder in women and the cells lining the urethra in the penis in men.
• Transitional cell carcinoma: This type appears near the urethra opening in women and where the urethra passes through the prostate in men.
• Adenocarcinoma: This cancer starts in the glands around the urethra.

Diagnosis for Urethral Cancer

Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam. Tests may include:

• Urine sample to check for abnormal cells
• Cystoscopy: The use of a tool called cystoscope to examine the inside of your urethra.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken from the urethra and examined under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to see if the cancer has spread.

Treatments for Urethral Cancer

The best treatment for urethral cancer depends on the location and stage of the cancer. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: To remove the tumor or, in some cases, the urethra and bladder.
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs used to destroy cancer cells.
• Active surveillance: Regularly monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment.

References:

• Urology Care Foundation
• National Cancer Institute
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)