Squamous cell carcinoma of the urethra
Prepared with OnCo (onco.cc/prep/urethral-squamous-cell-carcinoma/). Orientation, not medical advice; your team knows your case.
My details
What I know, what is unclear, changes to discuss
Saved in this browserMy questions
8 on the sheet- 1.What is my exact diagnosis, stage, and grade, and which tests established them?
- 2.Which biomarkers have been tested on my tumour (for example p16 and HPV status, Inguinal and pelvic node status, Depth of invasion and involvement of the corpus spongiosum), and what were the results?
- 3.Which subtype is my cancer, and does that change the recommended treatment?
- 4.Is germline (inherited) genetic testing recommended for me or my family?
- 5.For my situation (all stages), which of the standard options do you recommend and why?
- 6.Am I a candidate for Fluorouracil (5-FU), Mitomycin C, Cisplatin, and what side effects should I expect?
- 7.Would a second opinion at a high-volume centre change anything, and can you help arrange it?
- 8.What supportive care (symptom control, nutrition, exercise, mental health, financial help) is available from the start?
The words I may hear
- HPV-positive (p16) head and neck cancer: Throat cancers caused by the human papillomavirus, identified by a p16 stain.
- Chemoradiation (chemoradiotherapy, CRT): Radiotherapy given at the same time as chemotherapy, which sensitises the cancer to radiation.
Tests and results to bring
Biomarker results to ask for: p16 and HPV status, Inguinal and pelvic node status, Depth of invasion and involvement of the corpus spongiosum.
Bring copies of scan reports, pathology and blood results, and a list of every medicine and supplement.
The treatments I may be offered
- All stages: Treated as the parent page describes: urethra-sparing excision when small and distal; chemoradiation with fluorouracil and mitomycin or cisplatin when larger or node-positive, borrowed from anal cancer. (Urethral cancer, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Mitomycin C, Cisplatin, Chemoradiation (chemoradiotherapy, CRT))
From the standard of care recorded for this cancer; which apply depends on your stage and biomarkers. Ask which the team recommends and why.