Primary malignant melanoma of the urethra: a clinicopathologic analysis of 15 cases

The clinical and pathologic features of 15 primary urethral melanomas occurring in patients (nine women and six men) age 44 to 96 years (mean age, 73 yrs) are described. In the men the tumor involved the distal urethra. In eight women it involved the distal urethra, usually the meatus; both the distal and proximal urethra were involved in one woman. The tumors were typically polypoid and ranged from 0.8 to 6 cm (mean, 2.6 cm) in maximum dimension. A vertical growth phase was present in all tumors, with a prominent nodular component in seven of them. A radial growth phase was seen in nine tumors. The depth of invasion ranged from 2 to 17 mm. The tumors had diffuse, nested, storiform, or mixed growth patterns. The neoplastic cells typically had abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm, large nuclei with prominent nucleoli, and brisk mitotic activity. Melanin pigment was seen in 12 tumors but was conspicuous in only six. At the time of diagnosis, 13 tumors were confined to the urethra and two patients had lymph node metastasis. Nine patients died of disease 13 to 56 months after initial diagnosis and treatment, and one patient had a local recurrence at 4 years and subsequently died of sepsis 1 year later. Three patients were alive and well at 11 months, 23 months, and 7 years. One patient died at the time of the initial operation, and one died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm at 3 years without evidence of melanoma at autopsy. Primary malignant melanomas of the urethra, one fifth of which are amelanotic, must be included in the differential diagnosis of a number of primary neoplasms that involve the urethra, including transitional cell carcinoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma, and sarcomas. Conventional prognostic factors, such as depth of invasion or tumor stage, do not seem to play as important a role in predicting survival as the mucosal location and the nodular growth present frequently in these tumors.     

Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra

We report here on a rare case of primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra. A 69-year-old female presented at our hospital with a several month history of dysuria, poor stream, gross hematuria, intermittent blood spots, and a painful mass at the external urethral meatus. The physical examination revealed a soft, small, chestnut-sized lesion through the urethral orifice. The mass was tan colored, ulcerated, covered with necrotic tissue, and protruded from the external urethral meatus. The mass was removed by wide local excision under spinal anesthesia. The pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of the urethra. Computed tomography of the abdomen as well as a whole-body bone scan showed no evidence of metastasis. The patient has been free of disease for 6 months postoperatively. We discuss the clinicopathologic features and treatment of this tumor.     

Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra: Report of a rare neoplasm of the urinary tract

IntroductionMelanoma is a malignant tumor that can affect any area of the anatomical economy. Its occurance in the female urethra is extremely rare. We report a case of primary malignant urethral melanoma developed in an elderly female patient.Presentation of caseA 70 years old female presented with dysuria, poor stream, gross haematuria, intermittent blood spots, and a painful mass. On physical examination, there were no suspicious lesions on the skin. On external genital examination, a lesion at the level of the urethral meatus was observed. The mass was removed by wide local excision under spinal anaesthesia. The pathological diagnosis was malignant melanoma of the urethra.DiscussionThe common presentations include bleeding and/or discharge per urethra, voiding dysfunction and the presence of tumor mass. Survival depends on the stage, location and size of the neoplasm at the time of diagnosis. Despite major surgery, radiotherapy or immunotherapy; malignant melanoma usually has a poor prognosis.ConclusionMelanoma of the female urethra is an extremely uncommon pathology leading to paucity of literature and any definite recommendations regarding management. The histological and immunohistochemical findings can be helpful in making an early and accurate diagnosis of malignant melanoma in the urogenital region.     

Detection of human papillomavirus in a urothelial carcinoma mimicking urethral caruncle

Primary carcinoma of the female urethra is an uncommon diagnosis, accounting for less than 0.02% of all carcinomas in women. Urothelial carcinomas occupying the distal urethra in young females are considered to be extremely rare. Here we report what we believe to be the sixth case of primary urothelial carcinoma in the published English‐language literature. The patient, a 26‐year‐old woman, presented with a distal urethral lesion that resembled a caruncle, but which was proved to be a urothelial carcinoma on histopathological examination of the resected specimen. Human papillomavirus type 51 DNA was detected in the tumor by polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization. These findings suggest that human papillomavirus might be involved in a subset of urothelial carcinomas of the urethra.     

Fibroepithelial polyp of the anterior urethra,found during post-operative follow-up of ureteral cancer

A 52-year-old man underwent nephroureterectomy against left distal ureteral cancer (transitional cell carcinoma, Grade 2, pTa), and was followed up by surveillance alone. Twenty-two months postoperatively, a pedunculated tumor was found in the anterior urethra by cystourethroscopy. Pathological examination of the tumor resected transurethrally revealed a fibroepithelial polyp. There have been only twelve cases of fibroepithelial polyp of the anterior urethra reported in the literature. Since 4 out of 8 adult cases among them were found during the postoperative follow up period of urothelial cancer, mechanical irritation by repeated transurethral procedures might be responsible for the development of fibroepithelial polyp of the anterior urethra in these cases. If anterior urethral tumor is found during follow-up urothelial carcinoma, benign urethral polyp should be considered in the differential diagnosis.     

Recurrence of bladder cancer in fossa navicularis 17 months after cystourethrectomy: a case report

We report a case of bladder cancer recurrence in fossa navicularis of urethra 17 months after cystourethrectomy for bladder cancer. A 75-year-old man had undergone cystourethrectomy preserving between fossa navicularis and external meatus, and ileal conduit urinary diversion for advanced bladder cancer on June 24, 2002. Histopathological findings showed urothelial carcinoma, G2>G3, pT1N0. The patient had been followed regularly for 17 months without evidence of recurrence until he suffered the onset of hemorrhagic urethral discharge. Endoscopic examination of the residual urethra showed multiple, papillary sessile tumors which almost filled the fossa navicularis. He was admitted to our hospital on December 15, 2003. The urethral wash cytology revealed urothelial carcinoma. Since computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and bone scintigraphy showed no evidence of lymph node and distant metastasis, partial penectomy was performed. Histopathological findings showed urothelial carcinoma pTa, G2>G3, which was identical to primary tumor. Tumor had not invaded the corpus cavernosum. Careful follow-up of the patients with preservation of fossa navicularis is important.     

Transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra in men having cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Charcteristics of urethral transitional cell carcinoma in patients who have undergone cystectomy for bladder cancer have been reviewed. The retained urethra was the site of urothelial malignancy in 7 per cent of 348 patients who underwent cystectomy alone. Urethras removed during prophylactic cystourethrectomy in 110 patients showed unsuspected carcinoma in situ and marked atypic in 12.5 per cent. Patients with urethral cancer were at greater risk for meatal and upper tract tumors, a reflection of multicentric tumor neogenesis, and at greater risk for perineal tumors and inguinal metastases, a reflection of direct invasion. Cytology is advocated for examining the retained urethra. However, urethrectomy to include a fossa navicularis and glandular meatus at the time of cystectomy seems justified as a definitive means of guarding against the often asymptomatic and potentially lethal urethral occurrences of transitional cell carcinoma. Furthermore, incontinuity removal of the bladder and urethra more nearly satisfies the requirements for cancer surgery by avoiding transection of a tumor containing viscus.     

Inverted papilloma of the prostatic urethra

The inverted papilloma is a rare urothelial tumor, and its localization at the prosthatic urethra is also exceptional. We present a case of inverted papilloma of the prostatic urethra in a 72 years-old male, with symptoms of urinary flow obstruction. The diagnose is obtained after urethrocistoscopy and transurethral resection at the same time. We discuss about the etiology, clinical presentation, diagnose and treatment of this rare tumor, making special attention to its malignancy ability.     

Case of primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the female urethra

We report a rare case of primary amelanotic malignant melanoma of the female urethra. A 58-year-old female with complaint of nodule on the external urethral meatus was referred to our hospital. Pathological diagnosis of the biopsy specimen from the nodule was malignant melanoma. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen as well as bone scan showed no evidence of metastasis. Sentinel biopsy from the inguinal lymph nodes revealed no metastasis. Thereafter, the patient underwent radical urethrectomy, whose limits of resection were the bulbocavernosal muscles bilaterally, the arch of the pubic symphysis anteriorly, the anterior vaginal wall posteriorly, and the urethra up to the level of the bladder neck superiorly. The histopathological diagnosis was amelanotic malignant melanoma of the urethra. The patient had received six cycles of DAV-Feron (dacarbazine, nimustine, vincristine, and interferon-beta) in an adjuvant setting, and there is no sign of recurrence 25 months after operation.     

A case of secondary Paget's disease of the glans penis originating from bladder cancer

An 81-year-old man had undergone total cystectomy and bilateral ureterocutaneostomy at the age of 66 years. Furthermore, no recurrence or metastasis was observed; but at the age of 80 years he observed a painless rash around the external urethral orifice. As urothelial cancer was suspected, the urethra and glans were biopsied. Through immunohistochemical staining (cytokeratin 7 and 20), the glans biopsy indicated secondary Paget's disease of transitional epithelial origin. A urethrectomy was performed as progression from the urethra was suspected. The pathological examination revealed Paget cells at the glans, but the tumor was not observed permeating into the corpus cavernosum. This presents a rare case of secondary Paget's disease originating from a bladder tumor, and appearing in the glans without intraurethral progression.     

Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethral meatus

The case of a 79-year-old woman with a malignant melanoma of the urethral meatus is reported. Melanomas originating from the urethra are exceedingly rare. Histogenetic theories are reviewed. Clinical presentation and therapeutic approach are discussed.     

Primary genitourinary melanoma presenting as voiding dysfunction

A case of primary malignant melanoma of the urethra in a 67-year-old female is presented. Cystourethroscopy performed during a workup for pelvic organ prolapse revealed a bladder and urethral mass. Initial histologic examination was interpreted as undifferentiated sarcoma; however, after immunohistochemical staining by two separate institutions, malignant melanoma was diagnosed. Being rare, urethral melanoma is often misdiagnosed, and treatment can be delayed. Given its poor prognosis, early diagnosis is essential, and clinicians need to include it in their differential when working up a patient with genitourinary complaint.     

Female primary urethral carcinoma: A rare case report

IntroductionPrimary tumors of the female urethra are exceedingly rare and account for <0.02% of the malignant disease occurring in women. This disease usually presents late and, hence, has a poor outcome. Early diagnosis is necessary to prevent further metastasis and prevent urinary catheter-dependant. Tumors arising from the distal urethra tend to be early stage and cure rates are high, however lack of knowledge about this disease is notorious, the transmission of knowledge is made only by case reports.Case presentationA 76-years-old woman presented with the chief complaint of lower pelvic pain. The complaintas also accompanied by a burning sensation in the urethra and stranguria, urinary retention, and hematuria. Macroscopic observation revealed the lesion was whitish with vegetative aspect at the urethral meatus, involving the entire urethra. The fragile mass was palpable in distal urethra and external meatus urethra per vaginally and easily bleedings. Laboratory examination of blood chemistry results within normal limit. Urinalysis showed pyuria and hematuria. Urethrocystoscopy findings were whitish lesion with vegetative aspect also fragile mass along the urethra, abnormal bladder neck, and bladder mucous was hyperemis. The histopathological result showed metaplasia squamous cell carcinoma, clear cell carcinoma. She is planned on getting cystouretherectomy (anterior exenteration) later.Clinical discussionThe female urethral carcinoma is a disease with low prevalence with urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell) is the most common histological type (Leão et al., 2016; Adolfsson et al., 2012). Symptoms of urethral carcinoma are varied. The carcinoma spreads initially by local invasion into the periurethral tissue, vagina, and vulva and proximally spread to the bladder neck (Leão et al., 2016; Mittal et al., 2020). Distant metastasis is uncommon (Mittal et al., 2020). The most suitable method for collecting material for biopsy is the urethrocystoscopy. MRI is commonly used for staging. For post-surgical staging, the best investigation is the excretory urography (Gourtsoyianni et al., 2011; Picozzi et al., 2012). The management in vogue are surgical such as tumor excision, radical nephro-ureterectomy or anterior pelvic exenteration with radiotherapy or chemotherapy complementary. This cancer is associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, prognostic factors are important to be known.ConclusionAlthough female urethral carcinoma is a rare disease entity, clinicians should have strong suspicion of malignancies in patients to make an exact diagnosis. Early radical surgery can achieve better outcomes, although the standard therapy remains controversial.     

Clinical evaluation of urethral tumors based on a simple classification system

A simplified classification for primary urethral tumors is proposed. The T stage for tumors of male or female and of the upper or lower urethra has been combined into a single system. The system has been applied to 104 cases of urethral tumors. Although the cases were not necessarily very well qualified, a retrospective survival study demonstrated a general trend to a poorer prognosis in higher stages. Such a unified system might be useful for a simple classification of urethral tumors, a rare neoplasm with various clinical manifestations depending on sex or tumor site.     

Primary mesonephric carcinoma of the female urethra

We report the sixth case of mesonephric carcinoma of the female urethra, which is a rare urethral tumor arising from embryonal remnants of the wolffian or mesonephric duct. The 5 cases previously reported are reviewed. Despite the over-all high stage and entire urethral location of these tumors at presentation, their innate biological malignant potential appears to be much less than the usual variants of urethral cancer. Radical surgical procedures appear to offer an excellent prognosis with a 5-year survival rate without evidence of recurrent disease approaching 80 per cent.     

Urethral leiomyoma expressing estrogen receptors

A case of urethral leiomyoma is presented. The patient was a 48-year-old female who was hospitalized with a 4-year history of a progressively enlarging urethral mass. Based on clinical diagnosis of benign urethral tumor, local excision was performed. Histological diagnosis was urethral leiomyoma and the tumor cells demonstrated immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors. We report our experience of a leiomyoma of the urethra expressing estrogen receptors.     

Small cell carcinoma arising from the proximal urethra

Abstract   Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the lower urinary tract are distinctly rare, locally aggressive neoplasms with a high rate of metastasis. We present a case of primary small cell carcinoma of the urethra occurring in a 64-year-old man. The clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of urethral small cell carcinoma are highlighted with respect to the differential diagnosis of neuroendocrine and other urethral tumors. The possible histogenesis of urethral small cell carcinoma, reported at this location in only a small number of cases, is briefly discussed. We favor an origin from pluripotent epithelial stem cells as one of the possible histogenic pathways.     

颅内原发性黑色素瘤的诊断及治疗

目的 探讨颅内原发性黑色素瘤的诊治方法。方法 分析１９６８年以来收治的６例颅内原发性黑色素瘤的临床表现、诊治方法和疗效。结果 临床表现无特异性,ＣＴ及ＭＲＩ均难以明确诊断。肿瘤全切除１例。在碚切除３酌,部分切除１例,活检１例。诊断颅内原发性恶性黑色素瘤３例,脑膜黑色素瘤３例。随访５例,３例恶性黑色瘤患者死亡,２例脑膜黑色素瘤３例,随访５例,３例恶性黑色素瘤鹗２死亡,２例脑膜黑色素瘤１例长期卧床,１