Bladder Cancer Health Center

Prognosis is determined both by the anatomical location of the neoplasm, the size, and the depth of invasion of the primary tumor. The histology of the primary tumor is of less importance in determining response to therapy and survival.[1]

Anterior Urethral Cancer

These lesions are often superficial.

• Female: Meatal and/or distal urethral cancer (i.e., the lesions of the distal third of the urethra).
• Male: Penile or anterior portion of the urethra, including the meatus and pendulous urethra.

Posterior Urethral Cancer

These lesions are often deeply invasive.

• Female: Entire urethral cancer; lesions not clearly limited to the distal third of the urethra.
• Male: Bulbomembranous and prostatic urethral cancer.

Urethral Cancer Associated with Invasive Bladder Cancer

Approximately 10% of patients with cystectomy for bladder cancer can be expected to have or develop urethral cancer distal to the urogenital diaphragm.

The 5-year survival associated with urethral cancer is most often determined by the stage.

Stage Definitions by Depth of Invasion

• Stage 0 (Tis, Ta): Limited to mucosa.
• Stage A (T1): Submucosal invasion.
• Stage B (T2): Infiltrating periurethral muscle or corpus spongiosum.
• Stage C (T3): Infiltration beyond periurethral tissue.
  • Female: Vagina, labia, muscle
  • Male: Corpus cavernosum, muscle
• Stage D1 (N+): Regional nodes; pelvic and inguinal.
• Stage D2 (N+, M+): Distant nodes; visceral metastases.

References:

1. Grigsby PW, Corn BW: Localized urethral tumors in women: indications for conservative versus exenterative therapies. J Urol 147 (6): 1516-20, 1992.