Primary urethral carcinoma: Results from a single center experience
J F Calderón Cortez1, A Territo1, M Fontana1
1Departamento de Urología, Fundació Puigvert, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
Actas Urologicas Espanolas
|August 1, 2021
Summary
Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is rare and often diagnosed late. Treatment involves radical surgery or penile-sparing options, but recurrence is common, necessitating close follow-up for improved outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Primary urethral carcinoma (PUC) is a rare cancer affecting the urethra.
- Accurate diagnosis and management are challenging due to its rarity.
- This study focuses on anterior male urethral neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the treatment experience for primary anterior urethral carcinoma (PUC) at a single tertiary referral center.
- To evaluate surgical outcomes and survival rates for male patients with PUC.
- To highlight the importance of specialized care for rare genitourinary cancers.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 13 male patients with anterior PUC (1988-2018).
- Diagnosis via urethroscopy and biopsy; staging with MRI, ultrasonography, and CT scans.
- Treatment included radical surgery (cystectomy, penectomy, lymphadenectomy) or penile-preserving surgery (urethrectomy, partial penectomy).
Main Results:
- Squamous cell carcinoma (53.8%) and urothelial carcinoma (38.5%) were predominant subtypes.
- Most patients presented with advanced disease (T2: 15.4%, T3: 46.2%).
- High recurrence rate (61.5%) observed within a median of 6.3 months; 5-year recurrence-free survival was 58%.
Conclusions:
- Primary urethral carcinoma requires management at specialized referral centers.
- Treatment strategies range from radical approaches to penile-sparing surgery for localized disease.
- Intensive follow-up is crucial due to the high incidence of recurrence.
