Urethral caruncle: clinicopathologic features of 41 cases
Miriam R Conces1, Sean R Williamson, Rodolfo Montironi
1Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Human Pathology
|March 9, 2012
Summary
Urethral caruncle, a benign polypoid mass, can mimic malignancy, necessitating careful diagnosis. While typically benign, some cases present with or are associated with urothelial carcinoma, highlighting the importance of accurate histopathology.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Urethral caruncle is a benign polypoid mass at the urethral meatus, predominantly affecting postmenopausal women.
- Clinical presentation can be challenging, often mimicking malignant conditions.
- The association with malignancy, urologic disorders, or systemic diseases requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of urethral caruncle.
- To assess the association of urethral caruncle with urothelial carcinoma.
- To evaluate treatment strategies and outcomes for urethral caruncle.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 41 patients with urethral caruncle.
- Assessment of clinical presentation, diagnosis, associated malignancies, and treatment outcomes.
- Histopathologic examination of lesion characteristics.
Main Results:
- Average patient age was 68 years, with common symptoms including pain, hematuria, and dysuria.
- Malignancy was clinically suspected in 10% of cases; 12% had concurrent or subsequent urothelial carcinoma.
- Histology revealed hyperplastic urothelial and squamous lining with stromal changes; 7% recurrence rate after excision.
Conclusions:
- Urethral caruncle presents a diagnostic challenge due to its potential to mimic both benign and malignant conditions.
- Accurate histopathologic evaluation is crucial for differentiating urethral caruncle from malignancy and identifying associated urothelial carcinoma.
- Awareness of the clinical and histological spectrum is vital for effective management of this uncommon lesion.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Renal calculi, commonly termed kidney stones, are crystalline solid masses that form in the kidneys but can occur at any point within the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.The pathophysiology of renal stones involves several key factors: supersaturation of the urine with stone-forming constituents, changes in urine pH, a decrease in urine volume, and the presence of substances that promote or inhibit stone formation.Supersaturation of Urine: This is the...
01:28Urologic Endoscopic Procedure: Cystoscopic Examination
Meaning of Cystoscopic Examination:Cystoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool in urology that is used to assess the structure and function of the genitourinary system. It provides a direct view of the urethra, bladder, and, in some cases, the ureteral openings. This procedure helps detect structural abnormalities, infections, cancers, and blockages in the urinary tract. There are two types of cystoscopy:Flexible cystoscopy is commonly performed in outpatient settings due to its less invasive...
01:16Urethra
The urethra is a hollowed tubular organ through which urine is expelled from the body. This structure extends from the bladder to the external opening, allowing urine to be released.
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
01:28Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
Renal calculi, or kidney stones, are solid deposits of minerals and salts formed inside the kidneys. In medical terminology, "calculus" refers to the stone itself, while "lithiasis" describes the process of stone formation. Depending on their location within the urinary system, these stones may be classified as either urolithiasis, when situated within the urinary tract, or nephrolithiasis, when located within the kidneys. Each term signifies the specific impact of the stone.Predisposition...
01:11Anatomy of the Genitourinary System I: Kidneys and Ureters
The upper urinary system comprises two kidneys and two ureters, which are crucial in filtering blood and forming urine.KidneysLocation and Structure:The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs positioned behind the peritoneum on either side of the spine.Kidneys are between the 12th thoracic (T12) and the 3rd lumbar (L3) vertebrae.The position of the liver causes the right kidney to sit slightly lower than the left.Protective Layers:Each kidney is enveloped in a tough, fibrous membrane called the...
01:22Ureters
The ureters are retroperitoneal tubes located on either side of the vertebral column. They are responsible for transporting urine from each kidney to the urinary bladder. These tubes have thick walls and are approximately 25-30 cm long. Their diameter is around 10 mm at the renal pelvis, gradually narrowing to 1 mm as the ureter obliquely enters the posterior bladder wall through the ureteric orifices. The shape of these orifices is slit-like, which helps to prevent urine backflow toward the...