Urinary retention in female patients induced by adenocarcinoma of urethra

Acute urinary retention in middle-aged females is an infrequent occurrence; therefore, when such a patient presents to the urologist, an aggressive diagnostic evaluation is warranted. Carcinoma of the urethra might be the underlying pathologic process causing urinary retention. Herein, we present 2 cases of acute urinary retention triggered by adenocarcinoma of the urethra. In 1 patient the diagnosis was delayed due to severe superimposed infection which responded poorly to medication. Anterior exenteration and radiotherapy were used in the management of both patients.