Specialty Oncology eMedicine med/3080 | DiseasesDB 31473 MeSH D014523 | |
 | ||
Urethral cancer is cancer originating from the urethra. Cancer in this location is rare, and the most common type is papillary transitional cell carcinoma. The most common site of urethral cancer is the bulbomembranous urethra.
Contents
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms that may be caused by urethral cancer include: Bleeding from the urethra or blood in the urine, Weak or interrupted flow of urine, Urination occurs often, painful urination, inability to pass urine, A lump or thickness in the perineum or penis, Discharge from the urethra, Enlarged lymph nodes or pain in the groin or vaginal area.
Risk factors
The main medical risk factors are having bladder cancer or having conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the urethra. People over the age of 60 and white women have the highest risks.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is established by transurethral biopsy. Types of urethral cancer include transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma.
Treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer of the urethra. One of the following types of surgery may be done: Open excision, Electro-resection with flash, Laser surgery, Cystourethrectomy, Cystoprostatectomy, Anterior body cavity, or Incomplete or basic penectomy surgery.
Chemotherapy is sometimes used to destroy urethral cancer cells. It is a systemic urethral cancer treatment (i.e., destroys urethral cancer cells throughout the body) that is administered orally or intravenously. Medications are often used in combination to destroy urethral cancer that has metastasized. Commonly used drugs include cisplatin, vincristine, and methotrexate.
Side effects include anemia (causing fatigue, weakness), nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, mouth sores, increased risk for infection, shortness of breath, or excessive bleeding and bruising.