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Urethra Biopsy
What is
Urethra Biopsy?
Urethra biopsy is the removal of cells or
tissues from the urethra so they can be viewed
under a microscope by a pathologist to check for
signs of cancer.
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Effects
of Urethra Biopsy
A
tissue biopsy is essential to diagnose urethral
cancer.
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Candidates for Urethra Biopsy
Urethral cancer is a rare cancer that occurs
more often in women than in men. Urethral biopsy
is ideal for those who are suspected to have
urethral cancer.
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Your Consultation
Before
your biopsy, you may be given antibiotics to
prevent infection. You may be asked to take off
all of your clothes and put on a hospital gown.
Your skin at the biopsy site is cleaned with an
antiseptic solution, and the area around it is
covered with sterile cloth. Your doctor will
wear sterile gloves. It is very important that
you do not touch this sterile area.
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The
Urethra Biopsy Procedure
Under
general anesthesia or regional anesthesia, the
urologist will biopsy any suspicious areas
identified. Certain patients may also require a
biopsy technique that involves passing a needle
through the skin or vagina into the urethral
growth. The biopsy tissue is then sent to the
pathologist for examination under a microscope
to confirm the diagnosis. Before the patient
awakens from anesthesia, the urologist will
perform a thorough examination to determine the
local extent of the tumor.
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Recovery
Your
recovery process will vary depending upon the
type of anesthesia that is used. If you were
given general anesthesia, you will be taken to
the recovery room for observation. Once your
blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable
and you are alert, you will be taken to your
hospital room or discharged to your home.
If local anesthetic was used, you may resume
your normal activities and diet unless otherwise
instructed. You may feel the urge to urinate or
have a bowel movement after the biopsy. This
feeling should pass after a few hours.
There may be blood in your urine or stool for a
few days after the biopsy. This is common.
Blood, either red or reddish brown, may also be
in your ejaculate for a few weeks after the
biopsy.
The biopsy site may be tender or sore for
several days after the biopsy. Take a pain
reliever for soreness as recommended by your
physician. Aspirin or certain other pain
medications may increase the chance of bleeding.
Be sure to take only recommended medications.
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Risks
As
with any surgical procedure, complications can
occur. Some possible complications may include,
but are not limited to, the following:
.
bruising and discomfort at the biopsy site
. prolonged bleeding from the biopsy site
. infection near the biopsy site
. difficulty urinating
There may be other risks depending upon your
specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss
any concerns with your physician prior to the
procedure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What is the urethra?
A:
The urethra is a hollow tube that allows urine
to pass from the bladder, the organ that stores
urine until ready for release, to the outside of
the body. In men the urethra is approximately
eight inches long, and passes through the
prostate and the penis before it opens to
the outside at the end of the penis. In women
the urethra is approximately one and a half
inches long and opens to the outside just above
the vaginal opening.
A
layer of cells called epithelium lines the
urethra. In both men and women there are several
glands located along the length of the
urethra. A supportive network of connective
tissue, elastic and muscle fibers and blood
vessels surrounds the urethra.
Q: What
are the possible signs of urethral cancer?
A:
Possible signs of urethral cancer include
bleeding or trouble with urination.
These
and other
symptoms may be caused by urethral cancer.
Other conditions may cause the same symptoms.
Sometimes early cancer of the urethra does not
cause any symptoms at all. A doctor should be
consulted if any of the following problems
occur:
·
Bleeding from the urethra or
blood in the urine.
·
Weak or interrupted
("stop-and-go") flow of urine.
·
Frequent urination.
·
A lump or thickness in the
perineum or penis.
·
Discharge
from the urethra.
·
Enlarged lymph nodes in the
groin area.
Q: How
is the biopsy done?
A:
This biopsy is done by a
surgeon or a doctor who specializes
in men's genital and urinary problems (urologist)
in the doctor's office, a day surgery clinic, or
a hospital operating room.
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The following list of Urology procedures are
performed at Beverly Hills Medical Group -
please click the links to find out more:
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