Leiomyoma of the urethra in a Mexican woman: a rare neoplasm associated with the expression of estrogen receptors by immunohistochemistry.
BACKGROUND
Leiomyoma of the female urethra is a rare condition, although it can occur anywhere along the genitourinary tract.


METHODS
We report on a 22-year-old woman found to have a urethral mass detected in our hospital delivery room. Examination showed a 6 X 5-cm mass at the urethral meatus.


RESULTS
Pathologic examination revealed urethral leiomyoma. Immunohistochemistry confirmed leiomyoma with positive staining for vimentin, desmin, and actin. Immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors was also detected.


CONCLUSIONS
Because this lesion was discovered while the patient was pregnant and it showed immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors, it is suggested that increased estrogen levels could accelerate smooth muscle growth.
Alvarado-Cabrero
I
I
Departamento de Patología, Hospital de Oncología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico.
Candanedo-González
F
F
Sosa-Romero
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism*; D014523:Urethral Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen