Urethral squamous cell carcinoma associated with urethral stricture and urethroplasty.

We reviewed the few published cases of male urethral squamous cell carcinoma after urethroplasty. A new case report is added. Considering the known facts we conclude that urethral cancer following urethroplasty, performed to cure urethral stricture, is a rare complication. One must be aware of possible evolution to malignancy when this surgical procedure is not fully successful, i.e. in the case of recurring urinary obstruction or disturbed wound healing. Alarming symptoms are fistulization, abscess formation, ulceration and induration. Histopathological examination is needed, firstly before urethroplasty to exclude already existing malignant changes of the urethral mucosa and secondly whenever suspicion is raised after surgery. It is of utmost importance to diagnose a urethral carcinoma as early as possible because the cure rate in advanced stage is minimal.