Urethral Cancer
Among all the urological cancers, Urethral Cancer is rare. It can spread throughout the urinary or reproductive system and to other parts of the body if it begins in the cells that line the Urethra.
Among all the urological cancers, Urethral Cancer is rare. It can spread throughout the urinary or reproductive system and to other parts of the body if it begins in the cells that line the Urethra.
Risk factors for developing urethral cancer include:
Chronic irritation or inflammation of the urinary tract due to repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and/or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Other cancers of the urinary tract (such as bladder cancer)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or history of other STDs
Being age 60 or older
Urethral cancers are named for the types of cells that become malignant (cancerous):
Urethral cancer can be a silent disease, with no symptoms during the early stages. People with urethral cancer may eventually develop any of the following symptoms:
Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for cancer of the urethra. Surgical options vary depends on whether the cancer is superficial or invasive.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation destroys cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used alone, with surgery, or with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be offered to reduce the risk of tumor spreading outside the urethra after surgery or radiation.