Urethral Cancer
Urethral cancer is a rare malignant neoplasm that originates in the duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It is more common in men and in people over 75 years of age.
Depending on its growth pattern, the tumor can be classified as superficial (when it grows toward the urethral lumen without invading deeper layers) or advanced (when it invades deeper tissues, adjacent organs, or surrounding muscles).
Symptoms
In the early stages, urethral cancer may not present specific symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) or bloody discharge from the urethra.
- Difficulty or pain during urination.
- Presence of a mass or thickening in the genital area.
- Pelvic or perineal pain.
- Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin.
These symptoms may be indicative of other urological conditions, so it is essential to consult a specialist to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic process for urethral cancer includes:
- Medical history and physical examination: assessment of symptoms and palpation of masses in the genital area.
- Urinary cytology: analysis of a urine sample to detect cancer cells.
- Urethrocystoscopy with biopsy: insertion of an endoscope through the urethra to visualize its interior and obtain tissue samples for histological analysis.
- Imaging (CT or MRI) of the abdomen and pelvis: to assess the extent of the tumor and detect possible metastases.
These tests make it possible to determine the location, size, and extent of the tumor, as well as the presence of lymph node involvement or distant metastasis.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the location, stage, and histological type of the tumor, as well as the patient’s general health. The main alternatives include:
- Surgery: it is the most common treatment and involves removal of the tumor. Depending on the extent, surgical options may range from partial resection of the urethra to more extensive procedures such as cystectomy (removal of the bladder) or penectomy (removal of the penis) in men, and anterior pelvic exenteration in women.
- Radiotherapy: use of radiation to destroy cancer cells, as primary treatment or adjuvant therapy after surgery.
- Chemotherapy: administration of drugs to eliminate cancer cells, especially in cases of advanced disease or metastasis.
The choice of treatment must be individualized, taking into account the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s condition.
