Urethral Cancer
Definition
Urethral cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. This malignancy can develop in any part of the urethra and may present with various symptoms, depending on its location and stage.
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Urologic Oncology Program
Urologic cancers, including prostate, bladder, kidney, urothelial upper tract, testicular, penile, and urethral cancer, are on the rise. The Smilow Cancer Hospital Prostate and Urologic Cancers Program at Yale Medicine is uniquely qualified to treat these cancers. Our program utilizes the most advanced technology and techniques available to diagnose, manage, and treat urologic cancers. We are leaders in the use of MRI/US Fusion prostate biopsy (which blends MRI and ultrasound for increased accuracy), utilizing the Artemis system. This technology allows us to detect the cancer early and closely monitor it. When surgery is needed, our urologists provide extensive expertise in nerve-sparing laparoscopic and robotic surgery, traditional open surgery, and novel targeted or “focal“ treatments. Our medical oncologists have pioneered numerous treatments for patients with advanced cancers, including the discovery of the first truly effective treatment for metastatic prostate cancer and advanced immunotherapy treatments for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers. Patients who need radiation therapy can feel confident that they are receiving the highest quality care from an experienced team of radiation oncologists who utilize cutting-edge, 3D radiation therapy technology. Other advancements, such as the SpaceOAR system, which is a gel spacer placed by a urologist between the prostate and rectum before radiation therapy, enables our multidisciplinary care team to treat advanced prostate cancer, while minimizing side effects for our patients. Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center are at the forefront of cancer research, offering a variety of clinical trials. It is our goal to diagnose, manage, and treat urologic conditions in minimally invasive ways so that patients experience fewer side effects, spend less time in the hospital, and recover faster.Urology
Urologic diseases affect more than 20 million men, women, and children in the United States. Yale Medicine Urology, named one of the nation’s best urology programs by U.S. News & World Report, cares for adults and children with conditions that affect the bladder, kidneys, pelvic floor, penis, testicles, and urinary tract. Some urologic conditions are present at birth, and others develop over time. Whether for a routine checkup or highly specialized care, our urologists and caregivers provide the most advanced treatment, grounded in research. Our urologists are leaders in the fields of female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, as well as men’s health. Our oncology team has made key research breakthroughs in the treatment of metastatic bladder cancer and kidney cancer. In addition, we offer specialized care for kidney disease, incontinence, stone disease, sexual medicine, neurogenic bladder, transgender care, and reconstructive surgery after trauma. We use the most advanced technology and procedures to give our patients the best care available. Our urologists offer Artemis MRI-ultrasound fusion for prostate biopsy, advanced imaging, laparoscopic and daVinci Si robotic surgery, Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP), as well as UroLift and GreenLight laser procedures. Our doctors and the hospitals where we provide care rank among the best in the country. In addition to providing treatment at Yale New Haven Hospital, Smilow Cancer Hospital, Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, Greenwich Hospital, and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, we also have offices located in communities across Connecticut. Above all, at Yale Medicine Urology, we believe in the importance of the patient-doctor relationship. It is the cornerstone of what we do—provide compassionate, quality urologic care to every patient, every day. A multidisciplinary team of urologists, specialty-trained nurses, caregivers, and support staff will take care of patients and their families. The urologist leads the care team, providing a diagnosis and treatment recommendations, as well as performing surgery, if needed, and overseeing the patient’s recovery and postsurgical care. The nurse coordinator is the patient’s advocate and care manager throughout care. Studies show that using nurse coordinators can reduce the length of hospital stays and enhance patient outcomes. Practice nurses provide the day-to-day care during clinical appointments or hospital stays. They administer medications, track vital signs, review general test results, respond to patients’ specific needs, and report to other members of the team. They are available around the clock to answer questions and to help patients through their care. The intake specialist helps to ensure patients are ready in advance of their appointment and have all forms and records completed and sent in advance. Intake specialists are experts at understanding the patient appointment and transfer process. If faced with a diagnosis o