Urethral cancer is a type of urothelial tumor and is relatively rare in clinical practice. Most cases of male urethral cancer occur in individuals over the age of 40, while female urethral cancer is more commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals.

bubble_chart Etiology

Approximately 50% of urethral cancers are secondary to transitional cell carcinomas of the bladder, ureter, or renal pelvis. Primary urethral cancer is relatively rare and occurs mainly in women.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. The main symptom is urethral bleeding. Tumor obstruction of the urethra may cause difficulty in urination.
2. When the tumor is large, a mass can be palpated locally. Female urethral cancer often grows outward along the urethral opening.
3. In the advanced stage, symptoms such as urinary fistula, weight loss, and anemia may occur, indicating cachexia.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Early-stage urethral cancer: Early total urethrectomy is performed. When the tumor infiltrates the surrounding urethra, partial or total penectomy and lymphadenectomy may be performed. For male posterior urethral and female urethral cancers, bladder and urethral resection with urinary diversion are required.
2. Advanced-stage urethral cancer: Bladder fistula creation, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are performed.