Understanding Benign Urethral Lesions: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
When you hear the word “lesion,” it can sound alarming, but not all lesions are cancerous. Benign urethral lesions are non-cancerous growths or changes that develop in the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
While benign, these lesions can still cause uncomfortable symptoms such as pain, frequent urination, or even blood in the urine. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of benign urethral lesions, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified doctors provide expert diagnosis and treatment for patients experiencing urethral concerns. With multiple convenient locations across Georgia, we are committed to helping both men and women find relief from urinary symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you’re experiencing unexplained discomfort or urinary issues, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
What Are Benign Urethral Lesions?
A benign urethral lesion is any non-cancerous growth or tissue abnormality found along the urethra. Unlike urethral cancer, these lesions are not malignant, but they can still cause significant discomfort or interfere with urinary flow. They may develop in both males and females, from early childhood through adulthood, and are often influenced by age, hormonal changes, infection, or trauma to the genital area.
Types of Benign Urethral Lesions
Medical literature describes several types of benign urethral lesions, including:
- Urethral Caruncle: Most common in postmenopausal women, often presenting as a small red mass at the urethral opening.
- Urethral Polyps: Benign lesions often diagnosed in children, which may affect urinary flow.
- Urethral Prolapse: The mucosal lining of the female urethra protrudes outward, often in prepubertal girls or postmenopausal women.
- Paraurethral Cysts: These cysts are also called Skene’s glands. These may become infected and cause pain.
- Urethral Stricture: Narrowing of the urethra due to scar tissue, sometimes linked to trauma, infection, or catheter use.
- Other benign lesions: Rare conditions include lichen sclerosis-related lesions or those associated with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Causes of Benign Urethral Lesions
The causes vary depending on the lesion type. Common contributing factors include:
- Hormonal changes, especially in postmenopausal women. Decreased estrogen can lead to urethral caruncles.
- Chronic irritation or infection of the urinary tract or genital area.
- Trauma from childbirth, a urethral catheter, or surgery.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) is occasionally linked to benign urethral growths.
- Underlying skin conditions like lichen sclerosus.
What Are the Symptoms of a Urethral Caruncle?
A urethral caruncle often causes uncomfortable symptoms that can impact daily life. These include:
- A visible red or purple mass at the urethral opening
- Pain, burning, or irritation in the genital area
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Blood in the urine or spotting
- Other symptoms, like difficulty starting urination or discomfort during physical activity
How is a Urethral Caruncle Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a thorough physical examination by a urologist. In most cases, a physical exam is enough to confirm a caruncle. However, if there is any concern that the lesion might be cancerous, additional testing such as imaging, a biopsy, or endoscopy of the urethra and bladder may be performed.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified physicians carefully evaluate lesions to distinguish between a benign lesion and more serious conditions like urethral cancer, ensuring accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.
Treatment for Benign Urethral Lesions
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the lesion:
- Conservative treatment: Small urethral caruncles often respond to conservative methods such as warm sitz baths, topical estrogen cream, or hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women.
- Medications: Oral antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is present.
- Surgical options: If lesions are large, painful, or not responding to other treatments, they may need surgical removal. Some procedures are performed under general anesthesia. A urethral catheter may be temporarily placed after urethral caruncle removal or other surgeries.
- Other procedures: In certain cases, urethral strictures may need to be treated surgically to restore proper urinary flow. This may include urethrotomy (cutting through the scarred stricture, allowing healthy tissue to grow in its place) or urethroplasty (rebuilding the urethra, sometimes with a skin graft).
How Can I Reduce My Risk for Urethral Caruncles?
While benign urethral lesions can’t always be prevented, you can take steps to lower your risk:
- Use hormone replacement therapy if recommended by your doctor to maintain healthy skin and smooth muscle tissue.
- Manage infections of the urinary tract promptly.
- Practice good hygiene, especially in uncircumcised men, to prevent irritation around the tip of the penis.
- Attend regular urology checkups to catch changes early.
Expert Care for Benign Urethral Lesions in Georgia
Benign urethral lesions may be rare, but they can still cause significant discomfort if left untreated. Whether you’re experiencing pain, frequent urination, blood in the urine, or other symptoms, it’s important to seek an expert evaluation.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified team offers comprehensive care for both benign lesions and more serious conditions. Contact us at one of our offices in Georgia today to schedule your consultation.
