Urethral cancer classification

Urethral cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Urethral cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
X-ray
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
CT Scan
MRI
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Urethral cancer classification On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Urethral cancer classification All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Urethral cancer classification
CDC on Urethral cancer classification
Urethral cancer classification in the news
Blogs on Urethral cancer classification
Directions to Hospitals Treating Urethral cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Urethral cancer classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Urethral cancer may be classified according to cell types into 3 subtypes: transitional cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. It may also be classified into distal urethral cancer, proximal urethral cancer and urethral cancer associated with invasive bladder cancer.

Classification

Based on histology

In an analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from 1973 to 2002, the most common histologic types of urethral cancer were:

• Transitional cell (55%)
• Squamous cell (21.5%)
• Adenocarcinoma (16.4%)

Other cell types, such as melanoma, were extremely rare.

Based on location

Distal Urethral Cancer

These lesions are often superficial.

• Female: Lesions of the distal third of the urethra
• Male: Anterior, or penile, portion of the urethra, including the meatus and pendulous urethra

Proximal Urethral Cancer

These lesions are often deeply invasive.

• Female: Lesions not clearly limited to the distal third of the urethra
• Male: Bulbomembranous and prostatic urethra

Urethral Cancer Associated with Invasive Bladder Cancer

Approximately 5% to 10% of men with cystectomy for bladder cancer may have or may develop urethral cancer distal to the urogenital diaphragm.