Female urethral carcinoma: Evidences to origin from Skene's glands

PurposeUrethral carcinoma is among the rarest neoplasias of the genitourinary tract and its origin is unclear. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is considered an evidence of origin from Skene's glands. We considered the origin from these glands in PSA negative cases.Material and methodsWe studied 3 patients with urethral carcinoma surgically treated. The surgical specimens were examined including cytochemical and immunohistochemical stains. The possible origin of the tumors was based on a comparative study of normal Skene's glands from autopsies and noninvolved glands in periurethral tumors.ResultsThe gross findings and the microscopic examination of 2 adenocarcinomas, including the cytochemical and immunohistochemical studies, favor an origin from Skene's glands.ConclusionsThe origin from Skene's glands may be established in PSA negative cases. The establishment of this origin in a higher number of urethral carcinomas may have an impact on diagnostic and treatment strategies in the future.