Urethral Cancer
Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.
The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.
Urethral cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethral cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is more common in men.
Causes of Urethral Cancer
The exact cause of urethral cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to certain risk factors. These risk factors include age, gender, history of bladder cancer, HPV infection, and exposure to certain chemicals and substances such as tobacco, aromatic amines, and radiation.
Risk Factors for Urethral Cancer
Urethral cancer is more common in men than in women. Other risk factors include:
Age: Urethral cancer is more common in people over the age of 60.
Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing urethral cancer.
Chronic bladder inflammation: Chronic bladder inflammation increases the risk of developing urethral cancer.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the pelvic area increases the risk of developing urethral cancer.
HPV infection: HPV infection increases the risk of developing urethral cancer.
Symptoms of Urethral Cancer
The symptoms of urethral cancer can vary depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Some common symptoms of urethral cancer include:
Blood in the urine
Pain or discomfort during urination
Frequent urination
Difficulty urinating
Incontinence
Pelvic pain or discomfort
Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area
Complications of Urethral Cancer
If left untreated, urethral cancer can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications. Complications of urethral cancer may include:
Incontinence
Urethral stricture
Kidney damage
Spread of cancer to other parts of the body
Death
Prevention of Urethral Cancer
There is no sure way to prevent urethral cancer, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These steps include:
Not smoking
Maintaining good hygiene
Practicing safe sex
Avoiding exposure to chemicals and substances that can increase your risk of developing urethral cancer
Treatment of Urethral Cancer
Treatment for urethral cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Treatment options may include:
Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for urethral cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue from the urethra.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer.
Possibility of Oriental Medicine
Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and acupressure have been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health conditions. While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of these therapies in the treatment of urethral cancer, some people may find them helpful in managing symptoms such as pain and discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, urethral cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the urethra. The exact cause of urethral cancer is unknown, but it is believed to be linked to certain risk factors. Symptoms of urethral cancer include blood in the urine, pain or discomfort during urination, frequent urination, and difficulty urinating. Complications of urethral cancer can be serious and may include incontinence, kidney damage, and spread of cancer to other parts of the body. While there is no sure way to prevent urethral cancer, steps can be taken to reduce the risk, such as not smoking, maintaining good hygiene, and avoiding exposure to chemicals and substances that can increase the risk. Treatment for urethral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. While there is no scientific evidence to support the use of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, or acupressure in the treatment of urethral cancer, some people may find them helpful in managing symptoms. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to discuss treatment options and to receive appropriate care.
References:
"Acupuncture in the Management of Cancer-Related Symptoms" by Dr. Ting Bao (2020) - This review article examines the evidence supporting the use of acupuncture in managing cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and nausea.
"Complementary and Alternative Medicine Approaches for Cancer Symptoms and Treatment Side Effects" by Dr. Jillian Capodice (2018) - This comprehensive review article discusses a range of complementary and alternative therapies that may be helpful in managing cancer-related symptoms and treatment side effects, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies.
"Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Cancer Patients: A Review" by Dr. Ping-Wen Hsiao (2018) - This article provides an overview of the use of complementary and alternative therapies in cancer patients, including acupuncture, massage, and herbal remedies. It also discusses the potential benefits and risks of these therapies.
"Complementary Therapies for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy" by Dr. Gabrielle H. Roden (2018) - This review article examines the evidence supporting the use of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and yoga in managing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.
"Herbal Medicine in Cancer Treatment: An Overview" by Dr. Barrie Cassileth (2019) - This article provides an overview of the use of herbal remedies in cancer treatment, including potential benefits and risks.
"The Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Management of Prostate Cancer" by Dr. Barrie Cassileth (2018) - This article discusses the potential role of complementary and alternative therapies in managing prostate cancer, including acupuncture and herbal remedies.
"The Use of Massage Therapy for Cancer-Related Symptoms" by Dr. Erin L. Brown (2018) - This article discusses the potential benefits of massage therapy in managing cancer-related symptoms, including pain, anxiety, and depression.
"Urethral Cancer: A Rare Tumor with Difficulties in Diagnosis and Management" by Dr. Seung Hyun Jeon (2020) - This article highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating urethral cancer, and discusses the potential role of complementary and alternative therapies in managing the disease.
"Urethral Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment" by Dr. Christopher Wood (2019) - This comprehensive review article provides a detailed overview of the diagnosis and treatment of urethral cancer, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
"Yoga for Cancer Patients and Survivors" by Dr. Karen Mustian (2018) - This review article examines the potential benefits of yoga in managing cancer-related symptoms, including fatigue, pain, and anxiety.
American Cancer Society. (2022). Urethral cancer. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/urethral-cancer.html
National Cancer Institute. (2021). Urethral cancer treatment (PDQ) - health professional version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/urethral/hp/urethral-treatment-pdq
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Bladder and Urethral Health. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-urethral-health
Sterling, J., Bonneville, J., & Westney, O. L. (2021).
Sterling, J., Bonneville, J., & Westney, O. L. (2021). Urethral Cancer. StatPearls. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507882/
Traditional Chinese Medicine World Foundation. (2016). TCM for Genitourinary Disorders. https://www.tcmworld.org/tcm-for-genitourinary-disorders/
Woo, H. H., Patel, M. I., & Prescott, S. (2013). Urethral cancer. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 347, f6677. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.f6677