Theurethrais a thin tube through which urine from the bladder leaves the body.
The urethra is about 8 inches long and allows for the passage of semen and urine in men.
The urethra in women is about 1.5 inches long and only transports urine.
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Malignant cells rarely arise in the urethra.
In fact, urethral cancer is the rarest form of urological cancer.
It accounts for less than 1% of all cancer cases.
There is a slightly higher prevalence of urethral cancer in Black Americans and in men compared to women.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and treatments of urethral cancer.
By the time symptoms appear the cancer may be in its advanced stages.
It’s important to seek a diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.
Finally, a tissue biopsy is needed to make an official diagnosis of urethral cancer.
This procedure is usually performed by a urologic oncologist.
While this procedure may be performed using local anesthesia, some providers prefer to use general anesthesia.
Your tissue sample will be analyzed for staging and grading by a pathologist.
This process is known as staging.
The first step in early urethral cancer treatment is almost always to remove the cancerous tissue via surgery.
Chemotherapy vs.
Some studies have found that the recurrence rate is as high as 50%.
The typical prognosis for urethral cancer varies from study to study.
Urethral cancer is most common in adults older than 60 years old, men, and in Black Americans.
A supportive web link of family and friends makes getting through cancer a bit easier.
Its important to remember that you are not alone.
Social media and the Internet have made it easier to find and access support groups and other resources.
These resources can potentially lessen the weight of your new cancer diagnosis.
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2020;5:7-7. doi:10.21037/amj.2020.01.06
Urology Care Foundation.Urethral cancer.
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MerckManuals.Genitourinary cancers.
