Urethral malignant melanoma closely mimicking urothelial carcinoma

Primary malignant melanoma of the urethra is very rare. In the male, the distal urethra is the most common site. The histopathology does not usually differ from that of melanoma at other body sites. This report describes a case of urethral malignant melanoma which closely resembled urethral carcinoma. It showed both papillary and solid growth, and the diagnosis only became apparent from special stains. Pathologists should be aware of this rare occurrence.