概述

Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body, called the urethra. You may hear this cancer called urethral carcinoma. Urethral cancer makes up less than 1% of cancers of the urinary and reproductive systems. People of any sex can develop it, but it is more common in males.

Cancer that starts in the urethra is called primary urethral cancer. Sometimes, cancer that started elsewhere in the urinary tract, such as the bladder, comes back in the urethra after treatment. This is a recurrence of the earlier cancer, not a new cancer that started in the urethra. Healthcare professionals may call this secondary urethral carcinoma. This guide focuses on primary urethral cancer.

Learning you have a rare cancer can bring questions and uncertainty. The outlook for urethral cancer varies from person to person. It depends on factors such as where the cancer is and how far it has grown or spread. Several treatment options are available. Your care team can help you understand which options may be right for you.

Types

The main types of urethral cancer include urothelial carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

  • Urothelial carcinoma. This cancer starts in cells called urothelial cells, which line parts of the urinary tract. Urothelial carcinoma also is called transitional cell carcinoma.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer starts in squamous cells, which line parts of the urethra.
  • Adenocarcinoma. This cancer starts in gland-forming cells. Some urethral adenocarcinomas develop in a urethral diverticulum, which is a pouch that forms along the urethra.

症状

Urethral cancer may cause symptoms such as:

病因

The causes of urethral cancer aren't well understood. Certain conditions and infections have been linked to a higher risk of urethral cancer.

风险因素

Several factors may increase the risk of urethral cancer. These include:

  • Older age. Urethral cancer becomes more common with age.
  • Infections. These include certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Long-term irritation or inflammation of the urethra. In men, conditions linked to this include a narrowing of the urethra, called urethral stricture, long-term catheter use and previous surgery to repair a urethral stricture. In women, urethral diverticulum and repeated urinary tract infections may increase risk. A urethral diverticulum is a pouch that forms along the urethra. Cancer in a urethral diverticulum is rare.

预防

There is no known way to prevent urethral cancer. There also is no routine screening for urethral cancer in people who do not have symptoms. Tests are used when urethral cancer is suspected. Or they are used to learn more about the cancer after it has been diagnosed.