What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Adenocarcinoma of the Bulbomembranous Urethra
• Bulbourethral Gland Adenocarcinoma
• Urethral Adenocarcinoma of the Cowper Gland

What is Cowper Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Urethra? (Definition/Background Information)

• Cowper Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Urethra is a malignant tumor that arises in the bulbourethral gland, or Cowper gland, around the urethra in men. The tumors show infiltrative growth pattern into the surrounding tissues
• These tumors have histologic features similar to adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the salivary glands
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is classified as a urethral accessory gland carcinoma

Incidence:

• These tumors are exceedingly rare
• They occur in men in the 40-70 years’ age group
• All races and ethnic groups are at risk

Risk factors and cause: Unknown

• Some studies have shown mutations that result in MYB::NFIB gene fusion
• Such mutations have also been described in adenoid cystic carcinomas (ACCs) of the salivary glands and breast

Signs and symptoms:

• The initial signs of the tumor include pain and discomfort in the perianal or perirectal region
• Periodic signs and symptoms of urinary retention
• Presence of a tumor mass

Diagnosis:

• Diagnosis is made through biopsy of the tumor and examination under the microscope by a pathologist
• The differential diagnosis of Cowper Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Urethra include:
  • Basal cell carcinoma of the prostate
  • Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma
  • Urothelial carcinoma with extensive glandular differentiation

Complication:

• Emotional stress
• Tumor recurrence following its surgical removal
• Metastasis to the lung and liver has been documented

Treatment:

• The staging of this tumor is performed according to AJCC classification
• Surgical resection of the tumor
• Other modalities, as required

Prevention: Presently, it is not possible to prevent the formation of this tumor.

Prognosis:

• In a vast majority of cases, the prognosis of Urethral Cowper Gland Adenocarcinoma is based on the stage of the tumor
• Lower stage tumors have better prognosis than higher stage tumors
• In many individuals, a diagnosis of this tumor, typically takes place during the advanced stages