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

Abstract Purpose Urethral 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 methods We 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. Results The gross findings and the microscopic examination of 2 adenocarcinomas, including the cytochemical and immunohistochemical studies, favor an origin from Skene's glands. Conclusions The 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.