Treatment Options for Distal Urethral Cancer
Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that affects the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Distal urethral cancer refers to a type of urethral cancer that affects only the outermost part of the urethra. In women, this typically involves the portion of the urethra closest to the external opening, while in men, it affects the part of the urethra within the penis.
Distal urethral cancer is usually superficial, meaning it has not deeply penetrated the urethral tissue and has not spread elsewhere. The objective of treatment of distal urethral cancer is to be curative, meaning it aims to completely remove or destroy the cancer cells and potentially cure the disease.
The primary treatment of distal urethral cancer is surgery to remove the tumor or cancer cells in the distal urethra. Surgery may include:
- Transurethral Resection: This procedure is usually done under anesthesia. A special surgical tool or scope is inserted through the urethra. External excisions are not needed. The tool has a telescope that the doctor can see through. It also has a wire loop at the end that the healthcare provider can use to remove the cancer cells from the lining of the urethra.
- Electroresection with fulguration: This is similar to transurethral resection, With this procedure, the wire loop can be used to apply a high-energy electrical current to burn away the tumor or cancer cells.
- Laser surgery: This procedure also is similar to transurethral resection. With this procedure, a high-energy laser is used through the scope to destroy abnormal cells in the urethra lining.
- Partial penectomy: For men with urethral cancer located near the tip of the penis, surgery to remove part of the penis (partial penectomy) may be considered.
Radiation therapy may be considered for distal urethral cancer. This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
This information provides a general overview of potential treatments for distal urethral cancer. Treatment plans are tailored based on individual circumstances and may involve a combination of different approaches. Other treatments may be recommended if the distal urethral cancer is deeper than superficial. It's crucial for patients to discuss their specific situation with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for them.