FEMALE URETHRAL ADENOCARCINOMA: IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL EVIDENCE OF MORE THAN 1 TISSUE OF ORIGIN

Abstract

Primary adenocarcinoma of the female urethra arises from more than 1 tissue of origin. Columnar/mucinous adenocarcinomas of the female urethra and urethritis glandularis demonstrate consistent reactivity with the mAbDas1 antibody, suggesting that these tumors arise from glandular metaplasia analogous to the potential histogenesis previously demonstrated in the bladder. PSA reactivity occurred in 1 tumor with a cribriform pattern and likely represents origin from Skene's glands. Clear cell adenocarcinomas did not react with either antibody, suggesting a third possible pathway in the development of this rare subset of adenocarcinomas.