A rare type of urological cancer, urethral cancer arises from the cells that line the urethra, a thin, tube-like structure that transports urine out of the body. There are different types of urethral cancer, depending on the cell type that it arises from. It is a highly treatable cancer and usually has a good prognosis, provided it is diagnosed in the early stages.
Learning about the different aspects of urethral carcinoma can help one make informed decisions and put onself a step ahead of urethra cancer.
Urethral cancer, or urethral carcinoma, is a rare malignancy that develops in the tissues of the urethra. It occurs when the cells present in the urethral lining start dividing abnormally due to cancer-driving DNA mutations and forms a mass. If left untreated, this cancer can spread to nearby and far-off regions in the body and cause health complications. Hence, it is crucial to opt for regular screening, be mindful of the early symptoms of this cancer, and see a doctor if any persistent symptoms are experienced. Some types of urethra cancer is more common in men, and some types are more common in women.
Urethral cancer is considered rare, constituting a very small percentage of all urological cancers in both men and women. It accounts for approximately 1-2% of urinary tract cancers. Those with a prior history of any urological malignancy have a relatively higher risk of developing urethral carcinoma.
Urethra cancer is categorized into various types based on the cell type that originates from. Some of these types are common than others. The treatment approach for these types depends on the their stage during diagnosis and individual patient parameters. The following are the different types of urethral cancer:
Transitional cell carcinoma, or urothelial cell cancer, originates from the transitional cells lining the urethra. It is the most common type of urethra cancer and is often associated with a history of bladder cancer. Treatment approaches may involve surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on the stage and extent of the disease.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the urethra develops from the flat, thin cells lining the organ. This type is commonly found to arise from the cells close to the urethral opening. Chronic irritation or inflammation may increase the risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the urethra. Treatment strategies may include surgery and, in advanced cases, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Adenocarcinoma arises from the glandular cells present in the urethra. Although less common than transitional and squamous cell carcinomas, adenocarcinoma poses unique challenges in diagnosis and management. Treatment may involve surgery and additional therapies, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Urethral cancer staging is an important step before treatment planning. It helps specialists understand the extent of this disease. Different urethral cancer stages have their own distinct characteristic features and these play an important role in deciding the right treatment approach. Urethral carcinoma is staged based on two parameters - their location and TNM factors.
The following are the different urethral cancer stages based on the location of the tumor:
Anterior urethral cancer occurs in the front portion of the urethra, which includes the external opening and extends to the region just beyond the penis or clitoris. This cancer subtype is superificial and is located in the easily-accessible location. This makes the treatment relatively less complex.
Posterior urethral cancer is situated in the deeper, inner part of the urethra, closer to the bladder. This type may be more challenging to detect early due to its location, potentially requiring advanced diagnostic and treatment approaches.
The following are the different urethral cancer stages based on the extent of the disease’s spread:
Stage 0, also known as carcinoma in situ (CIS), indicates that abnormal cells are present in the inner lining of the urethra but have not invaded deeper tissues. Stage 0 urethra cancer is highly treatable.
Stage 1 is indicated by the presence of a localized tumor in the urethra and has not spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. Stage 1 urethral tumors is easily treatable.
Stage 2 signifies that the cancer has advanced beyond the confines of the urethra but is still limited to nearby structures. It often demands a multimodal treatment approach.
In stage 3, the cancer has spread further into nearby tissues and may involve lymph nodes. Stage 3 urethral cancer often demands a multimodal treatment approach, which helps in treating the primary tumor and the potential metastasis.
Stage 4 urethral cancer has spread to distant organs or tissues. Stage 4 urethral malignancy may require a more aggressive approach, combining various treatment modalities to manage both the primary tumor and distant metastases. Palliative care may also be recommended to manage symptoms.
Despite being a rare malignancy, urethral cancer can pose a serious health burden if not managed appropriately. Early detection and a comprehensive treatment plan significantly impact outcomes. Understanding urethral malignancies involves recognizing its types, stages, and various treatment approaches tailored to individual cases.