Urethral Cancer, from the CureRays guide library.

Urethral cancer is a rare cancer of the tube that carries urine out of the body; treatment combines surgery, radiation, and medicine, often aiming to preserve function.

What it is.

Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that begins in the urethra — the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. It is the only cancer of the urinary tract that is more common in women than in men. Because the urethra is lined by more than one kind of cell along its length, several different cancer types can occur, and the location within the urethra affects both symptoms and treatment. Common warning signs include blood in the urine, a weak or blocked urine stream, a lump or thickening, or discomfort. Some urethral cancers are linked to long-term irritation, prior urinary problems, or human papillomavirus (HPV). Because the urethra sits near other pelvic organs and is important for normal urination and sexual function, treatment is carefully tailored by a specialized team. The goal is to cure the cancer while preserving as much normal function as possible, which often means combining radiation, surgery, and medicine rather than relying on one approach alone.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation uses focused high-energy x-rays — or, in some cases, a radioactive source placed right next to the tumor — to damage the DNA inside cancer cells so they can no longer grow and divide. The urethra sits among sensitive pelvic structures, so modern image-guided radiation is carefully planned to concentrate the dose on the tumor while protecting the bladder, rectum, and surrounding tissue. In urethral cancer, radiation plays a leading role: combined with chemotherapy, it can cure many tumors while preserving the urethra and normal urination, sparing patients from more extensive surgery. It is also used to treat lymph node areas and to relieve symptoms from advanced disease. Treatments are painless and given over a series of short daily sessions. Side effects depend on the area treated and are usually temporary, such as fatigue, skin irritation, or urinary and bowel changes that ease after treatment ends.

The ways we can treat it.

Definitive (curative) chemoradiation. Radiation combined with chemotherapy is aimed at the tumor to destroy it while preserving the urethra and normal urination, sparing nearby organs as much as possible.

Brachytherapy. In selected cases, a radioactive source is placed very close to the tumor to deliver a high, focused dose over a short distance, protecting surrounding tissue.

Nodal radiation. Targeted radiation treats lymph node areas in the groin and pelvis when there is a risk of or proven spread.

Palliative radiation. Precise radiation relieves bleeding, pain, or blockage from advanced tumors.

Questions we hear often.

Can my urethra be saved? Often, yes. For many urethral cancers, radiation combined with chemotherapy can cure the cancer while preserving the urethra and normal urination. Whether this fits depends on the tumor's size, location, and type — your team will explain your options.

Why is this cancer treated by a team? The urethra sits close to other pelvic organs and is important for urination and sexual function. Combining the skills of radiation, surgical, and medical specialists gives the best chance to cure the cancer while protecting normal function.

Is urethral cancer linked to HPV? Some squamous cell urethral cancers are linked to HPV, the same virus tied to several other cancers. HPV vaccination helps prevent these infections, and your team can discuss what it means for your care.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.