Management of adenocarcinoma of the female urethra: case report and brief review

Abstract

Introduction: We present a case of a differentiated adenocarcinoma of the female urethra, which caused dysuria and voiding dysfunction.

Materials and methods: A 54-year-old female presented with dysuria and the sensation of incomplete voiding.

Results: An ultrasound-guided biopsy showed a urethral carcinoma. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan showed a high-stage tumor. The patient had a pelvic exenteration. The patient was free of disease after 2 years of follow up.

Conclusion: Urethral carcinoma is a rare malignancy. A biopsy is necessary to make a diagnosis. MRI is the best imaging for tumor staging. Small tumors are treated with a single modality option including sparing surgery or radiotherapy. Advanced disease should be treated with a multimodality of options including neoadjuvant radiotherapy given concomitantly with chemotherapy followed by surgery.