[Mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the bladder]

The authors report on the third case in the world of mesonephric adenocarcinoma of the bladder. The tumour which may well derive from embryonic rests of mesonephric origin, developed in the region of the bladder neck and proximal urethra. The symptoms that led to the consultation consisted of dysuria with episodes of complete urinary retention. Clinical examination and IVU confirmed the presence of a tumour which could be seen on endoscopy, thus enabling biopsy. As there were no metastases, irradiation with telecobalt cured this patient. The undesired side-effect was the development of bladder retraction. This necessitated a cutaneous transcolic ureterostomy. The histological structure of these tumours is distinctive and easily recognizable and should not be missed by the pathologist. In regard to this rare tumour, it is interesting to note its radiosensitivity, and hence the potential of radiotherapy to effect a cure in patients so afflicted.