Urethral Cancer

Urethral cancer is a rare condition in which cancerous (malignant) cells form tumors in the tissues of the urethra. The urethra is the tube through which urine flows out of your bladder. The exact causes of urethral cancer are unknown, but some factors are associated with a higher risk of developing it.

Different types of urethral cancer begin in cells that line your urethra:

• Transitional (urothelial) cell carcinoma: This type usually forms in the part of the urethra closer to the bladder. It’s the same kind of cancer as bladder cancer, and it’s the most common type of urethral cancer.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type usually forms at the end of the urethra in men and near the vagina in women. It’s the second most common type of urethral cancer.
• Adenocarcinoma: This type forms in glands near your urethra. It’s the most common type of urethral cancer in the pockets (outpouchings) in your urethra.

Symptoms of urethral cancer vary based on how advanced the cancer is. Many times in the early stages, no or few symptoms are present. Symptoms may include difficulty in starting to urinate, having to urinate frequently, a weak urine stream, or pain and burning during urination.

Urethral cancer is diagnosed through a series of steps:

• Physical Examination: A healthcare provider will conduct a complete physical examination if you have symptoms of urethral cancer. They’ll also ask if you have a personal or family history of bladder or urethral cancer.
• Blood and Urine Tests: Your healthcare provider will take blood and urine tests.
• Imaging Tests: They may also take an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan of the urethra and the surrounding area to see if they can visualize signs of cancer or cancer spread.
• Biopsy: A tissue biopsy is needed to diagnose urethral cancer. It is not easy to do with local anesthesia, so you will likely be scheduled to return for a biopsy using general anesthesia. The urologist will take tissue samples from any suspicious zones.

These tests help the healthcare provider confirm the diagnosis and determine the cancer stage, which is crucial for treatment planning.

Treatment for urethral cancer includes surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

In some instances, urethral cancer can be fatal. The average survival rate for urethral cancer is about four years. The likelihood of surviving five years after diagnosis is 46%, and the likelihood of surviving 10 years after diagnosis is 31%.