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Updated: Jan 15, 2026
05:46
Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography
Published on: December 2, 2022
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Melanoma presenting as a urethral caruncle.
Julie R Slyby1, Amy K Harper2, Emily R Aldrich3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH.
Menopause (New York, N.Y.)
|January 13, 2026
Summary
Malignant melanoma can mimic a urethral caruncle, a common benign lesion in postmenopausal women. Early biopsy is crucial for diagnosing rare malignancies presenting as caruncles.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Urethral caruncles are common, benign vulvar lesions typically seen in postmenopausal women.
- Malignant melanoma of the urogenital tract is rare but can occur in this demographic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of malignant melanoma presenting as a urethral caruncle.
- To highlight the importance of considering malignancy in atypical caruncle presentations.
Main Methods:
- A 73-year-old female with a suspected urethral caruncle underwent biopsy.
- Diagnosis of poorly differentiated malignant melanoma was confirmed via biopsy.
Main Results:
- The patient underwent wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy.
- Final pathology confirmed stage pT4b N0 (sn) pMx malignant melanoma.
- Adjuvant immunotherapy was initiated post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Malignant melanoma can present as a urethral caruncle in postmenopausal women.
- Persistent or enlarging caruncles unresponsive to therapy warrant broad differential diagnosis, including vulvar malignancies.
- Biopsy is indicated for suspicious urethral caruncle lesions.
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