Urethral cancer diagnosis and staging

Urethral cancer is a rare disease that starts in the tube carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. Because this type of cancer can spread if not caught early, getting an accurate diagnosis quickly is essential. At Penn Medicine, our experts use advanced tools to detect urethral cancer as early as possible. Our team of specialists works together to ensure you get a precise diagnosis and a treatment plan that’s tailored just for you.

There isn’t a routine test for screening urethral cancer, but our specialists use the latest diagnostic tools and are always exploring new ways to improve early detection. If your provider suspects urethral cancer, they may perform a physical examination, including checking your pelvis and rectum for lumps or other abnormalities. If the exam suggests urethral cancer, additional diagnostic tests may be ordered.

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Biopsy
• Urine cytology
• Cystoscopy
• Ureteroscopy
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Ultrasound

Staging systems provide doctors with a common language for describing urethral tumors. It helps our urologists compare an individual’s clinical scenario to other patients with urethral cancer. They can also review clinical studies on groups of patients in similar cancer stages to determine how the cancer may behave and how different treatments may work.

Staging urethral cancer helps your care team understand:

• The size of the tumor
• Whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and tissues
• Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

Urethral cancer stages

Staging urethral cancer is based on its location. Anterior urethral cancer tumors are superficial and affect the part of the urethra that is closest to the urethral opening. Posterior urethral cancer tumors are deep and affect the urethral opening closest to the bladder as well as the prostate gland.

Urethral cancer is staged as follows:

• Stage 0: Abnormal cells are found inside the lining of the urethra but haven’t spread to deeper tissues.
• Stage I: Cancer has grown into the tissues of the urethra but hasn’t invaded nearby structures or lymph nodes.
• Stage II: Cancer has spread into the surrounding tissues, such as the muscle wall of the urethra. It may involve nearby structures but not lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby structures, such as the bladder, vagina, or prostate.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other nearby organs or lymph nodes in the pelvis and the groin, distant lymph nodes, or other organs in the body such as the liver or lungs.

Understanding your cancer’s stage allows you to work closely with your doctor to make informed decisions about your treatment options.

Penn Medicine provides specialized urethral cancer care

Urethral cancer symptoms can often resemble those of other conditions. Our urologic oncologists, with their specialized focus on urethral cancer, have the expertise to identify key indicators and use the most effective diagnostic tools for an accurate and timely diagnosis. We offer:

• Advanced diagnostic tools: We use state-of-the-art technologies to accurately identify the type and stage of urethral cancer, enabling us to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Collaboration among experts: Our urethral cancer program brings together a diverse team of specialists, including urologists, cancer surgeons, radiation and medical oncologists, and advanced practice providers. They frequently meet to review symptoms, lab results, and other critical aspects of your diagnosis. This teamwork ensures that you benefit from the combined expertise of leading professionals in your care.
• Urethral cancer pathologists: Pathologists are the specialists who review and interpret lab tests, including biopsies. Our pathologists focus on urological cancers, such as urethral cancer. Their specialized knowledge ensures accurate and detailed diagnoses, leading to more effective treatment plans.