Paraurethral vaginal leiomyoma

Leiomyoma of the genitourinary tract

OBJECTIVE

To review our experience and the literature with respect to leiomyomas of the genitourinary tract with special emphasis on the role of the clinical presentation and imaging studies in the differential diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

During a period of 35 years in our department, five patients were treated with symptomatic leiomyomas, originating from the renal pelvis, bladder, urethra and epididymis. All the cases were diagnosed after exploration, excision and histological examination of the specimen. Following the presentation of the five cases of leiomyomas of the genitourinary tract, we reviewed the literature with special emphasis on the modern imaging techniques, differential diagnosis and treatment approach.

CONCLUSION

Complete excision followed by histological examination is the most reliable means of distinguishing leiomyoma from other more common and usually malignant tumors of the genitourinary tract.

A tumor in the paracolpium. A case report

A tumor in the paracolpium is very rare and generally only discovered by chance. In our patient, a leiomyoma was found. Only a few reports on this localisation have been published in the literature. Due to the variable clinical presentation of a leiomyoma of the vagina, it is difficult to differentiate between a malignant and a benign tumor. To discriminate between malignant and benign tumors, and to assess the surrounding structures, ultrasound, puncture and/or biopsy and CT-scan are the most common additional diagnostic techniques. However, in most cases, diagnosis is only made after histopathological examination. In our case report, the tumor was located in the upper part of the paracolpium and had no direct relation to the vagina. Surgical extirpation of the tumor was uneventful. Surgery is the recommended treatment.

Leiomyoma of the female urethra

Smooth muscle tumors of the female urethra are uncommon lesions. Only a few cases of leiomyoma of the female urethra have been reported in the literature. We describe 2 additional cases, review the literature on this rare neoplasm and discuss its management.