Cancer of the urethra is a rare but serious condition. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. The spelling of "cancer of urethra" can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈkænsər əv jʊˈriθrə/. The "k" sound at the beginning is followed by "an" as in "can". The "thr" combination is pronounced with a silent "h". Awareness and early detection play an integral role in the prognosis and treatment of cancer of the urethra.
Cancer of the urethra refers to the development and growth of malignant cells in the cells lining the urethra, which is the tube connecting the bladder to the external opening for urine excretion. The urethra is a small, hollow tube responsible for the transportation of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
Cancer of the urethra is a rare type of cancer that affects both men and women, although it is more frequently found in men. The condition can be classified into two main types: urethral carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma. Urethral carcinoma typically forms in the cells that produce mucus, while transitional cell carcinoma is more common and arises from the transitional cells that line the urethra.
Symptoms of cancer of the urethra may include blood in the urine, pain or discomfort during urination, frequent urination, urinary incontinence, and lumps or visible abnormal growths near the urethral opening. However, these symptoms can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer.
Treatment options for cancer of the urethra depend on various factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health. These may include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these treatments. Early detection and prompt treatment can improve the prognosis of individuals with cancer of the urethra.