Urethral Cancer Symptom Management Introduction

Cancer treatments have side effects because it is hard to keep healthy cells safe while trying to kill cancer cells. Side effects of treatment depend on the type of treatment and the person s overall health when treatment starts.

Side Effects of Surgery

After surgery, a person may experience pain in the area operated on. This is normal and should not last for long. A person s surgeon will discuss these risks in detail before the surgery. Bleeding and infection can be complications. Scarring of the urethra may cause difficulty urinating. If this happens, a procedure can be done (dilation) to help reopen the urethra.

Side Effects of Radiation Therapy

Side effects of radiation can include nausea, diarrhea, skin irritation that may be red and sore, burning during urination, and fatigue. Usually these side effects go away after treatment, and many can be helped with certain drugs. Some side effects are long-lasting, such as urethral or vaginal strictures (scar tissue).

Side Effects of Chemotherapy

The side effects of chemotherapy depend on the type of drugs taken. Since chemotherapy attacks cells that divide quickly, healthy blood cells can be affected. There can be a higher chance of infection because of low white blood cell numbers. Any symptoms of infection, particularly fever, during chemotherapy should be reported to the doctor or nurse as soon as possible. If platelet counts are down, there may be a higher risk of bruising and bleeding more easily from a cut or injury. Tiredness is also possible because of the lack of red blood cells. In addition, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of hair, and mouth sores are other possible side effects. Most of these side effects go away a few days or weeks after the treatment is stopped. There are drugs that can help reduce the side effects and help people recover from chemotherapy more quickly.