Benign periurethral masses in women

Benign periurethral masses were encountered in 4 women. The masses included 2 vaginal leiomyomas, 1 of which was found simultaneously with a urethral diverticulum, a fibrocystic urethral mass and hyperplastic glandular tissue obstructing the bladder outlet and resembling male prostate. The physical and endoscopic features were helpful in establishing the benign nature and extent of the lesions. Although the bladder base was deformed on an excretory urographic cystogram in each case the radiographic features were non-specific except as they applied to a urethral diverticulum. Transvaginal needle biopsy is recommended in contemplation of open surgical excision. Leiomyomas are best approached transvaginally and anterior urethral masses can be reached suprapubically.