Anterior urethral cancer

Anterior Urethral Cancer

Anterior urethral cancer is a rare malignancy that occurs in the anterior segment of the urethra, which is the part of the urethra extending from the external urethral meatus to the bulbar urethra. This type of cancer is more common in males than females due to anatomical differences in the urethra.

Epidemiology

Anterior urethral cancer is an uncommon condition, accounting for less than 1% of all urological cancers. It is more frequently diagnosed in men, particularly those over the age of 50. Risk factors include chronic irritation, urethral strictures, and a history of sexually transmitted infections.

Pathophysiology

The anterior urethra is lined with stratified squamous epithelium, and the most common histological type of cancer in this region is squamous cell carcinoma. Other types include transitional cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. The cancer typically arises from the epithelial cells lining the urethra and can invade surrounding tissues.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with anterior urethral cancer may present with symptoms such as:

• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Urethral discharge
• A palpable mass in the perineum or penis
• Urinary obstruction

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of anterior urethral cancer involves a combination of:

• Physical examination: Palpation of the urethra and surrounding tissues.
• Cystoscopy: Direct visualization of the urethra and bladder.
• Biopsy: Histological examination of tissue samples.
• Imaging studies: MRI or CT scans to assess the extent of the disease.

Treatment

Treatment options for anterior urethral cancer depend on the stage and extent of the disease and may include:

• Surgery: Partial or total urethrectomy, often with reconstruction.
• Radiation therapy: Used in conjunction with surgery or as a primary treatment in non-surgical candidates.
• Chemotherapy: Typically used for advanced or metastatic disease.

Prognosis

The prognosis for anterior urethral cancer varies based on the stage at diagnosis and the response to treatment. Early-stage cancers have a better prognosis, while advanced cancers with metastasis have a poorer outcome.

Prevention

Preventive measures include managing risk factors such as avoiding chronic irritation and treating urethral strictures promptly. Regular medical check-ups and monitoring for individuals at risk can aid in early detection.

Also see

• Urethral cancer
• Squamous cell carcinoma
• Transitional cell carcinoma
• Urology
• Oncology