Emily Walsh1, Niall Kelly2, Padraig Daly2, Nigam Shah3, Ivor Cullen2. 1. Department of Urology, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland. emilywalsh@rcsi.ie. 2. Department of Urology, Department of Surgery, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland. 3. Department of Histopathology, University Hospital Waterford, Waterford, Ireland.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare and accounts for < 1% of all genito-urinary cancers. There is a male predominance of 3:1 and a peak incidence in the 7th and 8th decades. The aetiology of this cancer is similar to penile cancer, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to be an essential factor in tumorigenesis. Urethral cancer should be diagnosed and staged with a combination of tumour biopsy, MRI, and CT with treatment involving a multimodal approach. Contemporary management emphasises phallus-preserving surgery where feasible. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe a case of distal urethral carcinoma, which presented as a metastatic groin mass and identifying the primary lesion proved challenging. Diagnostic flexible cystoscopy identified a tiny lesion in the navicular fossa, which was biopsied and confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient then underwent phallus preserving surgery, including distal urethrectomy with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissections. The final stage was pT1N1M0, and adjuvant chemotherapy was started. The distal urethrectomy involved the surgical creation of a hypospadic meatus in the midshaft of the penis. Normal voiding and sexual function were preserved. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral cancer is a rare malignancy and clinicians should bear in mind that early diagnosis of this disease can be very difficult depending on the anatomical location of the tumour. Treatment currently favours penis-preserving surgery.
BACKGROUND:Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare and accounts for < 1% of all genito-urinary cancers. There is a male predominance of 3:1 and a peak incidence in the 7th and 8th decades. The aetiology of this cancer is similar to penile cancer, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to be an essential factor in tumorigenesis. Urethral cancer should be diagnosed and staged with a combination of tumour biopsy, MRI, and CT with treatment involving a multimodal approach. Contemporary management emphasises phallus-preserving surgery where feasible. CASE PRESENTATION: Here, we describe a case of distal urethral carcinoma, which presented as a metastatic groin mass and identifying the primary lesion proved challenging. Diagnostic flexible cystoscopy identified a tiny lesion in the navicular fossa, which was biopsied and confirmed to be a squamous cell carcinoma. The patient then underwent phallus preserving surgery, including distal urethrectomy with bilateral inguinal lymph node dissections. The final stage was pT1N1M0, and adjuvant chemotherapy was started. The distal urethrectomy involved the surgical creation of a hypospadic meatus in the midshaft of the penis. Normal voiding and sexual function were preserved. CONCLUSIONS:Urethral cancer is a rare malignancy and clinicians should bear in mind that early diagnosis of this disease can be very difficult depending on the anatomical location of the tumour. Treatment currently favours penis-preserving surgery.
Authors: Georgios Gakis; J Alfred Witjes; Eva Compérat; Nigel C Cowan; Maria De Santis; Thierry Lebret; Maria J Ribal; Amir M Sherif Journal: Eur Urol Date: 2013-04-02 Impact factor: 20.096
Authors: Emmanuelle Ferreux; Anne P Lont; Simon Horenblas; Maarten P W Gallee; Frank M Raaphorst; Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz; Chris J L M Meijer; Peter J F Snijders Journal: J Pathol Date: 2003-09 Impact factor: 7.996