Urethral cancer

Overview
Urethral cancer is a rare type of cancer originating from the urethra. It is more common in women than in men. Types of urethral cancer include transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. It is also a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the urethra.

Risk Factors:

 * Having a history of bladder cancer.
 * Having conditions that cause chronic swollen reddened part in the urethra.
 * Age 60 or older.
 * Being a white female.

History and Symptoms
Symptoms: These are the symptoms that may be caused by urethral cancer:
 * Hematuria: Bleeding from the urethra or blood in the urine.
 * Urinary Hesitation: Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
 * Polyuria: Urination occurs often.

Physical Examination

 * A lump or thickness in the perineum or penis.
 * Discharge from the urethra.
 * Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.

Other Diagnostic Studies
In male urethral cancer, diagnosis is established by transurethral biopsy. In women the diagnosis is established in much the same way. Pathologically most tumors are squamous cell carcinomas although transitional cell carcinomas, adenocarcinomas and melanomas may also be seen.

Treatment
Treatment: Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer of the urethra. One of the following types of surgery may be done:
 * Open excision surgery.
 * Electro-resection with flash surgery.
 * Laser surgery.
 * Cystourethrectomy surgery.
 * Cystoprostatectomy surgery.
 * Anterior body cavity surgery.
 * Incomplete penectomy surgery.
 * Basic penectomy surgery.

Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D.