Korean J Pathol.  2012 Apr;46(2):210-214.

Cytologic Findings of Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Urethra: A Case Report

• Han JY
• Kim KH
• Kim L
• Choi SJ
• Park IS
• Kim JM
• Chu YC
• Yoon SM

Abstract

Clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra is a rare disease entity with an uncertain histogenesis. Here, we present a case of primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the female urethra with its cytological findings. A 54-year-old woman presented with a painless gross hematuria lasting 3 months. On vaginal sonography, there was a sausage-like, elongated mass in the urethra, measuring 3.8x4.3 cm. The voided urine cytology revealed small clusters of rounded or papillary cells. The necrotic debris and inflammatory cells were present within some clusters of tumor cells. These tumor cells were enlarged and had abundant clear or granular cytoplasm with cytoplasmic vacuoles. The nucleus was granular and contained vesicular chromatin with prominent nucleoli. The hobnail cells and hyaline globules were also present as in a histologic section. The histologic findings were compatible with clear cell adenocarcinoma. The tumor showed distinctive cytological features. Cytologically, however, it is necessary to make a differential diagnosis from other adenocarcinoma or high-grade urothelial carcinoma.

Keyword

Adenocarcinoma, clear cell; Urethra; Cytology

MeSH Terms

Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell
Chromatin
Cytoplasm
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Hematuria
Humans
Hyalin
Middle Aged
Rare Diseases
Urethra
Vacuoles
Chromatin