Cancer of the urethra: Occurrence, risk factors, and prevalence in the population
Urethral cancer is a rare form of urological cancer, accounting for less than 1% of all cases of cancer of the genital or urinary organs. This article aims to provide an overview of common treatment options for urethral cancer, their variations by gender and age, and the factors that influence the outlook for individuals diagnosed with the condition.
Treatment Options
The most common treatment option for urethral cancer is surgery. This may involve the removal of the tumor or part/all of the urethra. In males, this may involve partial or complete urethrectomy and sometimes removal of surrounding tissues depending on the extent. In females, surgery may include urethrectomy and reconstruction due to anatomical differences.
Other treatment options include radiation therapy, external beam radiation or brachytherapy, which may be used to control local disease or as adjuvant therapy. Systemic chemotherapy may be recommended in advanced or metastatic cases. For invasive tumors, a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy is often employed, known as multimodal therapy.
Variations by Gender and Age
Anatomical differences influence treatment for urethral cancer. Males typically have longer urethras, and cancer location affects surgical approaches. Females may need more reconstructive procedures due to shorter urethras. Hormonal influences are less clear than in prostate cancer.
Older patients may receive less aggressive treatment depending on overall health and comorbidities. Treatment intensity often balances cancer control with quality of life considerations. Younger patients might be candidates for more radical approaches due to longer life expectancy.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
Urethral cancer affects both males and females, but research findings on its prevalence in each gender are conflicting. According to the Urology Care Foundation, urethral cancer affects more males than females. However, Beaumont Health and UCLA Health state that it affects more females than males. People over the age of 60 years are at the greatest risk for developing urethral cancer.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Symptoms of urethral cancer may include a noticeable growth or lump on the urethra, pain during urination, blood in the urine, trouble emptying the bladder, urinary incontinence, enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, bleeding or discharge from the urethra, frequent urge to urinate or frequent urination, a growth on the penis or bulging along the underside of the penis. Early detection of urethral cancer plays an important part in treatment and survival.
Outlook
The outlook for a person with urethral cancer depends on various factors, such as the size of the tumor, stage of cancer, location, how widespread the cancer is, overall health of the person, and response to treatment. A person with urethral cancer can discuss their case with a doctor to get a better understanding of their likely life expectancy. In some cases, a doctor may choose surveillance if the tumor is not causing any issues, but they typically only consider this approach for people who are older or have other competing health issues.
It's important to note that this article provides an overview of common treatment options and factors influencing the outlook for urethral cancer. For authoritative and specific treatment protocols by gender and age, consulting dedicated urological oncology sources or guidelines from organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is advised.
- Due to anatomical differences, females may require more reconstructive procedures during urethral cancer surgery compared to males.
- In addition to surgery, other treatment options for urethral cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these, known as multimodal therapy.
- The effects of urethral cancer on mental health and neurological disorders should be considered, along with chronic diseases and other medical conditions.
- Hormonal influences in urethral cancer are less clear than in prostate cancer, and more research is needed to fully understand the role they play.
- The outlook for individuals diagnosed with urethral cancer is influenced by factors such as the size of the tumor, stage of cancer, location, and individual's overall health and response to treatment, among others.
