Definition
The urethral tumor is considered a rare pathology that originates from the neoplastic transformation of one of the cells that form the organ.
From the histological point of view, in particular, they are distinguished:
- Squamous cell carcinomas : in women they originate near the bladder and in men in the tract of urethra that passes through the penis;
- Transitional cell carcinomas : they form in the part of the urethra near the external opening of the female genital organs or in the part of the urethra that crosses the prostate;
- Adenocarcinomas : in both sexes, they develop from the glands that surround the urethra;
- Undifferentiated (rare) forms .
The urethral tumor affects both sexes and, in most cases, is diagnosed after 50 years of age. The risk of developing the disease increases with previous bladder cancer and chronic urethral inflammation. Risk factors are also represented by trauma, urethral strictures, sexually transmitted diseases and frequent urinary infections.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Dysuria
- Pain in the penis
- Groin pain
- Pelvic pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Mass or swelling in the groin
- Urethral leaks, sometimes visible only after squeezing the glans
- pollakiuria
- Urinary retention
- Blood in the ejaculate
- Blood in the urine
- Strangury
- Urethrorrhagia
Further indications
In its early stages, the tumor may be asymptomatic or present with hematuria (presence of blood in the urine), weak or intermittent urine flow, increased frequency of urination and leakage from the urethra. If the tumor is in an advanced stage, nodules or palpable masses may be found at the level of the perineum or penis, urethritis and enlarged inguinal lymph nodes. In humans, the disease is associated with chronic urethral stricture.
The urethral tumor can quickly give rise to metastases and tumor cells are often found in the lymph nodes near the time of diagnosis.
Diagnosis is suggested by clinical conditions and is confirmed by cistouretroscopy. CT or MRI are used to evaluate the extent of the disease.
Treatment depends on the size, position and nature of the tumor, but may include surgical excision, radiotherapy, radical removal of the urethra with pelvic lymphadenectomy, electrocution electrocution, laser ablation and chemotherapy. The prognosis depends on the extent of the tumor and its precise location in the urethra.
