[A case of alpha-fetoprotein-producing female urethral adenocarcinoma]

We report a rare case of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-producing female urethral adenocarcinoma. A 52- year-old woman had urinary frequency. Ultrasonography showed a mass near the bladder. Therefore, she was referred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an approximately 4 cm mass at the urethra. Computed tomography did not show any lymphnode metastasis or distant metastasis. High serum levels of AFP were revealed. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) were within the normal range. A transvaginal needle biopsy suggested adenocarcinoma. Radical cystourethrectomy and ileal conduit formation were performed. Histopathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for AFP and CEA, and negative for PSA. Serum AFP normalized immediately postoperatively. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy was not performed. Eleven years postoperatively, the patient showed no evidence of tumor recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AFP producing female urethral adenocarcinoma.