What is Urethral Cancer?
In women, the urethra is about 1½ inch long and just above the vagina. Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that affects more men than women. There are many different types of urethral cancer starting in the lining of the urethra. Transitional cell carcinoma forms in the area near the urethral opening in women and a part of the urethra passes through the prostate gland in men. Adenocarcinoma forms in the glands around the urethra in both men and women.
- The urethra is far away
In far urethral cancer, the cancer usually does not spread deep into the tissue. In men, a part of the urethra in the penis is affected.
- The urethra is close
Urethral cancer nearly affects a part of the urethra that is not the distal urethra. In women and men, the proximal urethra cancer often spreads deep into the tissue. Bladder and/or prostate can occur at the same time as urethral cancer. In men, cancer that forms in the proximal urethra (the part of the urethra that passes through the prostate to the bladder) can occur at the same time as bladder and/or prostate cancer. Sometimes this happens in the diagnosis and sometimes it happens later.
Risk
-History of bladder cancer. Sexually transmitted infections (STDs), including human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV type 16.
-Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI).
The Symptoms
-Stimulation of the urethra mainly manifests as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, urethral hardening or ulceration, accompanied by bloody and urine secretion after a drop of blood. Those who will form a large tumor obstruction may manifest as difficulty urination and even urinary retention. Distal urethral carcinoma tumor protrudes the urethra, touches hard bleeding easily, and some forms of cancers ulcer or secondary infection, scent. Close to the urethra cancer tumors are not necessarily prominent estuaries, but may freeze in the anterior vaginal wall of the urethra or clear mass. Advanced cancer of the urinary tract, urethra and vagina wall is completely fixed on both sides of the groin palpable lymph nodes or the formation of a urethral vaginal fistula.
Diagnose
Digital rectal exam: A rectal exam. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricating finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel a or anything else that looks abnormal.
Urine cell test: A laboratory test in which urine samples are examined under a microscope for abnormal cells. Urine test: A test to check the color of urine and its content, such as sugar, protein, blood and white blood cells.
Blood chemistry study: checking blood samples to measure the amount of certain substances released into the bloodstream by organs and tissues in the body.
CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that creates a series of detailed images of areas inside the body, such as the pelvis and abdomen, taken from different angles. The images are taken by a computer linked to the X-ray machine.
Ureteroscopy: A procedure to look inside the ureter and pelvis to check for abnormal areas.
Biopsy: The sample is viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.
Treatment
Openectomy
Remove cancer by surgery.
Electroresection with Fulguration: Surgery to remove cancer by electric current. A lighted instrument with a small loop at the tip is used to remove cancer or burn the tumor with high-power electricity.
Laser surgery: A surgical procedure that uses a laser beam (narrow beam of light) as a knife to make bloodless cuts or to remove or destroy tissue. Lymph node dissection: Lymph nodes in the pelvis and groin may be removed.
Cystourethrectomy: Surgery to remove the bladder and urethra.
Cut off the bladder: Surgery to remove the bladder and prostate.
Hemorrhage first: Surgery to remove the urethra, bladder and vagina. Cosmetic surgery can be done to rebuild the vagina.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy is a treatment for cancer that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. There are two types of radiation therapy:
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by destroying cells or by stopping cells from dividing. The type of chemotherapy given depends on the type of cancer and where the cancer forms in the urethra.
Monitoring
Active surveillance is monitoring the patient’s condition without giving any treatment unless there is a change in test results. It is used to find early signs that the situation is getting worse. In active monitoring, patients are given certain examinations and tests, including biopsies, on a regular schedule.
What support can we give for Urethral Cancer?
Urethral Cancer is a rare cancer, meaning it is not as well known as other forms of cancer. Without a Ribbon is an Australian organisation that provides support for individuals who suffer from rare cancers. We provide a designated platform for Warriors to obtain information specific to their Rare Cancer. We also provide annual opportunities for our Warriors to meet and learn from each other. If you suffer from a rare cancer such as Urethral Cancer, we can help and support you through your journey thanks to the generous donations we receive. Click the link below to sign up and become a Warrior today!
You can help us with your donation:
Without a Ribbon is a charity that works hard to aid those who suffer from rare cancers. You can help our cause in a variety of ways:
Donations — Without a Ribbon is grateful when we receive every donation. Giving to Without a Ribbon helps us to provide ongoing support, organise the annual gathering and subsidise the costs of our Warriors attending these conferences.
Sponsorship — If you wish to sponsor our charity, please contact us using this form.
Volunteering — We are always looking for volunteers to help with different aspects of running our charity. So, if you are looking for volunteer work, please feel free to contact us.
