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Urethral Pathology in Women

  • Female Urology (L Cox, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This paper describes the differences in benign, malignant, and iatrogenic urethral pathology in women and reviews common presenting symptoms and management strategies.

Recent Findings

The advancement of magnetic resonance imaging has led to MRI becoming the imaging modality of choice for urethral pathology. Urethral pathology is rare, and there remains a paucity of evidence-based literature for management. Urologists and gynecologists must be familiar with common benign urethral pathology, the most common of which includes urethral diverticula, Skene’s gland cyst, urethral prolapse, and caruncle. Further case series are providing further insights to the management of these rare entities.

Summary

Urologists and gynecologists must understand the most common urethral pathologies and be able to identify the most appropriate treatment approach. It is essential to be able to differentiate these entities from malignancy and obtain a thorough surgical history to identify possible iatrogenic causes.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Dr. Dana Weiss for reviewing the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    Erin Maetzold

  2. Department of Urology, University of Iowa, 3 Roy Carver Pavilion, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242-1089, USA

    Elizabeth B. Takacs

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Correspondence to Elizabeth B. Takacs.

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Maetzold, E., Takacs, E.B. Urethral Pathology in Women. Curr Urol Rep 23, 225–234 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-022-01109-6

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