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.
What is Urethral 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.
How Common is Urethral Cancer?
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.
Different Types of Urethral Cancer
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:
What are the Stages of Urethral 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.
Urethral Cancer Stages On The Basis of Location
The following are the different urethral cancer stages based on the location of the tumor:
Anterior Urethral Cancer
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
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.
Stages of Urethral Cancer
The following are the different urethral cancer stages based on the extent of the disease’s spread:
Conclusion
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.
