Urethral Cancer Treatment in Bangalore: Advanced Surgical and Medical Care at NU Hospitals

Urethral tumour or cancer can be scary; if you or your loved one is diagnosed with urethral cancer, the entire journey can be overwhelming. We understand this is a difficult phase. You might have questions about how to move forward.

Urethral cancer is quite rare; it accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. Most urethral cancer patients are aged above 50 years.

Though these cancers are rare, they can be treated well with early detection and prompt care. Many patients with distal tumours (tumours near the urethral opening) have seen above 60% success in the first 5-year survival.

Getting treated in the initial stages can be lifesaving. At NU Hospitals, we offer the best treatment options for treating urethral cancers.

If you are exploring the best urethral cancer treatment options in Bangalore, this blog is for you.

Read on to find out how NU Hospitals can be your healthcare partner through your treatment journey against urethral cancer.

Understanding Urethral Cancer

Are you wondering what exactly urethral cancer is? Knowing the causes and symptoms can help.

What Is Urethral Cancer?

Urethral cancer begins in the urethra (the tube carrying urine out of the body). It can affect both men and women, but men are slightly more at risk.

The cancer starts in the lining of the urethra (uncontrollable and abnormal growth of cells of the urethral lining) and can spread to nearby tissues, organs or lymph nodes.

What Causes Urethral Cancer?

Cancers do not have a particular cause, but certain factors can increase your risk:

• Chronic urinary infections or recurrent UTIs

• HPV infection

• History of bladder cancer and urethral stricture

• Prolonged catheter use

These risks do not guarantee the occurrence of urethral cancer, but they can be an alarm for you to get regular checkups.

What Are Early Symptoms and Warning Signs?

While not all symptoms showcase urethral cancer, as they overlap with other urinary conditions.

But you should look out for some red flags which need immediate help:

• Blood in urine (Hematuria) 

• Difficulty or experiencing pain while urinating

• Changes in urgency and frequency of urination

• Poor urine flow

• Finding lumps, swelling or discharge near the urethra

It’s time to meet our expert urologist if you notice any of the above symptoms. Do not neglect even a single episode of such early signs.

Early Diagnosis and Staging at NU Hospitals

Want to benefit from better outcomes? Start with early diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis can pave the way to the best possible treatment options and recovery.

How Is Urethral Cancer Diagnosed?

A detailed evaluation of your medical history and overall health helps our experts to confirm the diagnosis with a few prescribed tests.

We offer a wide range of diagnostic tests for urethral cancer.

 

What Testing and Imaging Are Used?

To analyze the cancer spread, tumour mass, and structure and plan your treatment accordingly, our doctors advise imaging tests like:

• Ultrasound

• CT scan

• MRI

How Is Urethral Cancer Staged?

Any cancer, including urethral cancer, is staged based on the severity and spread of the disease.

 

Advanced Treatment Options in Bangalore

Cancer treatments vary from one another. One treatment does not fit everyone. Based on the stage, severity, spread, and overall health, we tailor treatment options for every patient. 

We offer the most advanced and effective treatment options for urethral cancer in Bangalore:

• Urethrectomy surgery

If detected in early stages, penile preserving surgery to remove the cancerous part and improve functional outcome. While the entire urethra needs to be removed in advanced stages.

• Chemotherapy

Either before or after surgery to reduce recurrence

• Radiation therapy

In advanced stages, after surgery to destroy cancer cells

What Are the Surgical Options for Urethral Cancer?

The gold standard surgery for urethral cancer is urethrectomy. This is the first surgery that is performed to remove the affected part of the urethra. 

This is usually combined with a reconstruction surgery for creating a urinary diversion and reconstructing the urethra.

• Partial and Radical Urethrectomy

Urethrectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the cancerous part of the urethra.

• Partial Urethrectomy

Only a part of the urethra is removed (the affected part of the urethra)

• Radical Urethrectomy

The complete urethra is removed. In such cases, a urinary diversion is made by creating a stoma and reconstruction of the urethra.

How Does Radiation Therapy Help?

Radiation therapy is either used post-surgery or when surgery cannot be performed. This helps in destroying the cancer cells and reducing the risk of recurrence.

Recovery and Support After Treatment

Recovery begins when you step out of the hospital; you should take good care of yourself and follow all the prescriptions thoroughly for better recovery and to regain health.

What Does Recovery Involve After Surgery?

Just like treatment options, every recovery is different from one another. Most patients see good recovery and improvement in urinary control and energy levels within a few weeks.

Your recovery phase includes:

• Pain management

• Wound care

• Bladder training

• Physiotherapy

• Psychotherapy

• Counselling

Are Counselling and Long-Term Follow-Up Care Available?

Your emotional and mental well-being is as important as your physical health. We at NU Hospitals offer one-on-one counselling to patients, caregivers, and family.

These sessions help you cope with 

• Fear

• Anxiety

• Lifestyle changes

• Physical changes post-surgery, etc.

You are advised to follow up with your doctor every 3-6 months; they will also advise a few regular checkups to keep recurring cancer at bay.

How Much Does Urethral Cancer Treatment Cost?

On average, the urethrectomy surgery costs about ₹130,000 - ₹150,000 in Bangalore. The diagnostic tests and other therapies add to the cost.

Please note: The surgery cost may vary based on the type of ward selected, medications, any additional procedures, etc.

Does NU Hospitals Accept Insurance?

To ease your financial burden, we have been tied up with 55+ insurance companies in India. Most cancer treatments are covered under insurance, and you can plan accordingly after speaking to your insurance provider.

Why Choose NU Hospitals for Urethral Cancer Care?

NU Hospitals is the leading centre of excellence for all urological cancers. Millions of patients worldwide come to NU Hospitals for the patient-centred, comprehensive urology cancer care.

What Makes NU Hospitals a Leading Uro-Oncology Centre in Bangalore?

We are the only dedicated centre of nephrology and urology care in Bangalore.

At NU Hospitals, you get access to:

• A multidisciplinary team of experts with decades of experience in treating urological cancers.

• State-of-the-art facilities with advanced diagnostic tools and techniques

• A strong record of excellence in treating urethral cancers

• Transparent billing and quotations with insurance assistance