What is Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer?
The urethra is a channel that allows urine to be expelled from the bladder out of the body. Urethral cancer occurs when cancerous cells are present in the urethra, also known as the urinary tract. It is a rare type of cancer and is more common in men than in women. In men, the urethra passes through the penis and prostate. In women, it is located in the area above the vagina.
Diagnosis Methods for Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer
Different diagnostic methods are used to diagnose urethral cancer.
- Urine test: A urine test is performed to check for the presence of cancer cells.
- Blood test: The blood test checks the number of blood cells and the functioning of organs.
- Biopsy: If urethral cancer is suspected, a small tissue sample is taken from the urethra and sent to pathology to determine if the tissue is cancerous.
- Cystoscopy: A lighted device is used to examine the urinary tract and bladder to determine the location and size of the cancerous tissue.
- Ultrasound: The urethra and bladder are imaged using ultrasound to examine the size and location of the tumor.
Causes of Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer
The exact causes of urethral cancer are unknown, but there are some risk factors. By considering these risk factors, urethral cancer can be controlled.
- Frequent recurrent infections in the urinary tract
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Individuals who have had bladder cancer have a higher risk of developing urethral cancer
- Masses in the urethra
- Chronic inflammation caused by sexually transmitted diseases
- Radiation exposure
- Narrowing of the urethra, which can frequently cause infections in men and lead to urethral cancer
Symptoms of Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer
- Bloody urine (hematuria)
- Itching in the genital area
- Urinary incontinence
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- Burning and pain while urinating
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Discharge from the urethra
- Frequent urination
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin
Treatment Methods for Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer
The treatment methods for urethral cancer vary depending on the stage of the cancer, its location, and the patient's gender.
- Chemotherapy: A treatment method preferred before surgery to shrink the tumor and prevent recurrence in urethral cancer.
- Radiation: The use of intense beams to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is usually combined with chemotherapy.
- Surgery: The cancerous tissue is surgically removed from the urethra. If there are lymph nodes around the urethra affected by cancer, they are also removed during surgery.
- In the early stages of cancer, sometimes just monitoring is sufficient. The tumor is kept under control with regular examinations and tests.
Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer Surgery
Surgery is a frequently chosen treatment method for urethral cancer. It involves the removal of the tumor in the urethra and any affected tissues or lymph nodes. It is an effective method when urethral cancer is detected early.
Methods of Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer Surgery
The method used in urethral cancer surgery varies depending on the location, size of the tumor, and whether surrounding tissues are affected. In some cases, only the tumor is removed, but if surrounding tissues are affected, those tissues are also removed surgically.
- Endoscopic surgery
- Open surgery
- Laser treatment
- Urethrectomy
- Cystectomy
- Penectomy
Benefits of Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer Surgery
- Patients who undergo urethral cancer surgery see a reduction in symptoms with the removal of the tumor.
- Prevents the progression of cancer stages.
- Prevents the spread of cancer cells to different tissues.
- Prevents the worsening of damage to surrounding affected tissues.
Complications of Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer Surgery
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Incomplete removal of the tumor, leading to recurrence
- Incomplete removal of the tumor, leading to metastasis
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Urinary tract infections
Recovery Process for Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer
The recovery process for urethral cancer varies from person to person. Following the treatment plan prepared by the physician can help overcome urethral cancer. Both medication and surgical treatments can be preferred. In addition to these treatments, paying attention to nutrition and regular doctor check-ups is important.
What Should Individuals with Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer Pay Attention To?
- Regular doctor visits are necessary.
- If issues such as burning, bleeding, or pain in the urine recur, a doctor should be consulted.
- Sugary foods should be avoided.
- Individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy should rest frequently.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption should be avoided.
Stages of Urethral (Urinary Tract) Cancer
The stages of urethral cancer vary depending on the spread of cancerous cells in the body and the size of the tumor. The stage of urethral cancer is important for evaluating treatment options.
Stage 1
Stage 1 of urethral cancer is when abnormal cells have turned into cancerous cells. While there is no full spread to surrounding tissues, small spreads may occur.
Stage 1 Symptoms
- Blood in the urine
- Discharge from the urethra
- Burning and pain while urinating
Stage 2
Stage 2 of urethral cancer is when cancer cells have spread to the muscular tissues of the urethra. The tissues in the penis and the prostate gland can also be affected at this stage.
Stage 2 Symptoms
- Blood in the urine
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain while urinating
- Urinary incontinence
- Frequent urination
Stage 3
Stage 3 of urethral cancer is when cancerous cells metastasize outside the urethra. In women, they may spread to the vagina or nearby tissues, while in men, they may spread to the penis or nearby muscle tissues.
Stage 3 Symptoms
- Urinary incontinence
- Needing to urinate again before fully emptying the bladder
- Problems urinating
- Bleeding from the urethra
Stage 4
Stage 4 is the final stage of urethral cancer. At this stage, the tumor may have grown significantly. The cancer may have spread to nearby organs such as the prostate gland, bladder, or vagina. Lymph nodes may also be affected at this stage.
Stage 4 Symptoms
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin
- Lump between the anus and genitals
- Blood in the urine
- Urinary incontinence
