Urethral cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the
tissues of the urethra.
The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the
body. In women, the urethra is about 1½ inches long and is just above the
vagina. In men, the urethra is about 8 inches long, and goes through the
prostate gland and the penis to the outside of the body. In men, the urethra
also carries semen.
Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that occurs more often in women than in men.
There are different types of urethral cancer that begin in cells that line the
urethra. These cancers are named for the types of cells that become malignant
(cancerous):
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of urethral cancer. It forms
in cells in the part of the urethra near the bladder in women, and in the lining
of the urethra in the penis in men.
Transitional cell carcinoma forms in the
area near the urethral opening in women, and in the part of the urethra that
goes through the prostate gland in men.
Adenocarcinoma forms in glands near the
urethra in both men and women.
Urethral cancer can metastasize (spread) quickly
to tissues around the urethra and is often found in nearby lymph nodes by the
time it is diagnosed.
Age and a history of bladder cancer can affect the risk of developing
urethral cancer.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, and/or urethra. Not
everyone with a UTI has symptoms. Common symptoms include a frequent urge to
urinate and a painful, burning when urinating.
Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites). Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes vary greatly. They can sometimes be tender, painful or disfiguring. The treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends upon the cause.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs,
are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure,
including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and the sharing of sexual
devices, such as vibrators. Women can contract all of the STDs, but may have no symptoms, or have different symptoms than men do.
Treatment for bladder cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the grade of the tumor, and the type of bladder cancer. Options for treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biological therapy.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any
type of sexual exposure, including intercourse (vaginal or anal), oral sex, and
the sharing of sexual devices, such as vibrators. Although treatment exists for many STDs, others currently are
usually incurable, such as those caused by HIV, HPV, hepatitis B and C, and HHV-8.
Though it's difficult to say why some people develop cancer while others don't, research shows that certain risk factors increase a person's odds of developing cancer. These risk factors include growing older, family history of cancer, diet, alcohol and tobacco use, and exposure to sunlight, ionizing radiation, certain chemicals, and some viruses and bacteria.
A urethral stricture, or narrowing of the urethra, may cause decreased urine output. Symptoms include painful urination, urinary retention, and pelvic pain. Surgery is the only treatment for people with uncontrolled symptoms of urethral narrowing.
Cancer pain results from the tumor pressing on nerves or invading bones or organs. Cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery can also cause pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, radiation, biofeedback, and relaxation techniques are just some treatments for cancer pain.
Doctors often cannot explain why one person develops cancer and another
does not. But research shows that certain risk factors increase the chance
that a person will develop cancer. These are the most common risk factors
for cancer:
Growing older
Tobacco
Sunlight
Ionizing radiation
Certain chemicals and other substances
Some viruses and bacteria
Certain hormones
Family history of cancer
Alcohol
Poor diet, lack of physical activity, or being overweight
Many of these risk factors can be avoided. Others, such as family history,
cannot be avoided. People can help protect themselves by staying away from
known risk factors whenever possible.
If you think you may be at risk for cancer, you should discuss this
concern with your doctor. You may want to ask about reducing your risk and
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