Adenocarcinoma of Skene's duct associated with a systemic coagulopathy

Adenocarcinoma of the urethra is a rare neoplasm which is believed to arise from the periurethral ducts. Four such cases have been diagnosed at our institution during the past 25 years and their clinical courses are summarized in this report. In one patient, a disseminated coagulopathy with a predominantly fibrinolytic component developed. The pathologic mechanism of fibrinolysis is addressed and a successful approach to the medical management of this confusing coagulopathy is outlined.