Urethral cancer is rare but aggressive, often diagnosed late. Risk factors include chronic inflammation, strictures, sexually transmitted infections, and prior radiation.

Symptoms vary by sex and tumor location. Men may present with urethral bleeding, obstructive urinary symptoms, or palpable perineal mass. Women often experience bleeding, discharge, or recurrent infections.

Diagnosis is made through urethroscopy, biopsy, and imaging (MRI/CT).

Treatment depends on location, stage, and sex. For distal, small tumors, local excision or partial urethrectomy may suffice. For proximal or invasive disease, radical surgery (anterior exenteration in women, urethrectomy in men) may be required. Reconstructive options are limited.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are often used in advanced disease or in patients unfit for surgery.

Prognosis depends on stage at diagnosis. Early detection improves outcomes, but late-stage disease remains challenging to manage. Multidisciplinary care is essential.