Urethral cancer is a rare form of cancer that originates in the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine out of the body. This type of cancer affects both men and women, though it is more frequently observed in men. Awareness of its signs and symptoms can prompt timely medical evaluation, which is crucial since early stages may not always present with clear indicators.
Visible Manifestations of Urethral Cancer
Urethral cancer can present with various observable changes in or around the urethral opening. A prominent sign is the development of a lump or growth along the urethra, which might be felt during self-examination or noted by a healthcare provider. These growths can sometimes appear as ulcers or warts. Changes in the skin’s appearance around the urethral opening, such as alterations in color or texture, may also occur.
Discharge from the urethra is another visible manifestation that can signal the presence of urethral cancer. This discharge may vary in appearance, sometimes described as clear, white, or off-white fluid. The discharge might be bloody, or visible blood may be present in the urine itself. This bleeding can also manifest as spotting from the urethra.
For men, a lump or thickness might be noticeable in the penis or the perineum, the area between the genitals and the rectum. Women may observe growths or lumps in the genital area near the urethra, which could be an enlarged lymph node, an ulcer, or a tumor. Swelling in the legs or feet can also occur if cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the groin.
Accompanying Symptoms
Beyond visible signs, urethral cancer often presents with a range of symptoms experienced by the individual. Difficulty with urination is a common concern, including trouble starting the urine flow, a weak or interrupted stream, or a feeling of incomplete emptying. Pain or burning during urination, known as dysuria, is another symptom.
Individuals may also experience an increased frequency of urination, particularly at night, or a persistent urge to urinate even when the bladder is not full. Blood in the urine, medically termed hematuria, can be visible or microscopic. In men, blood may also be present in semen, a condition called hematospermia.
Pain in the pelvic area can develop as the cancer progresses. A feeling of a mass within the urethra itself, distinct from external lumps, might also be experienced.
Understanding the Urethra and Cancer Types
The urethra is a narrow tube that serves as the exit pathway for urine from the bladder. In males, the urethra is approximately 8 inches long, extending through the prostate gland and the penis. In females, it is considerably shorter, about 1.5 inches in length, and opens just above the vaginal opening. This anatomical difference can influence how cancer presents and spreads.
Urethral cancer is categorized into several types based on the cells where the malignancy originates. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type, developing in the thin, flat cells lining the urethra. This often occurs in the penile urethra in men and near the bladder in women. Transitional cell carcinoma, also known as urothelial carcinoma, forms in cells found closer to the bladder in women and in the part of the urethra passing through the prostate gland in men. Adenocarcinoma, a less common type, develops in the glands surrounding the urethra in both sexes. The specific cell type and location influence its growth patterns.
Path to Confirmation
When potential signs or symptoms of urethral cancer arise, a medical professional initiates a diagnostic process to determine the cause. The initial steps typically involve a thorough physical examination and a detailed discussion of the patient’s medical history and symptoms. For women, this may include a pelvic examination, while men may undergo a digital rectal exam.
Further investigations often include laboratory tests such as urinalysis and urine cytology, which check for blood, protein, or abnormal cells in the urine. Blood tests may also be conducted to assess overall health and organ function. Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), provide detailed views of the urethra and surrounding tissues, helping to identify tumors and assess their extent.
The definitive diagnosis of urethral cancer is typically made through a biopsy. This procedure involves taking a small tissue sample from the suspicious area, often performed during a cystoscopy, where a thin, lighted tube is inserted into the urethra to visualize the lining. The tissue sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer cells and determine the specific type of cancer.