Summary about Disease
A urethral caruncle is a benign (non-cancerous) growth that occurs on the posterior lip (back side) of the external urethral opening in women. It is typically a small, fleshy, red or reddish-brown growth. Although generally harmless, it can sometimes cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Symptoms
Often asymptomatic (no symptoms)
Pain during urination (dysuria)
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)
Vaginal itching or irritation
A lump or growth felt at the urethral opening
Spotting or bleeding from the urethra
Causes
The exact cause is unknown, but several factors are thought to contribute:
Hormonal changes, particularly after menopause (decreased estrogen levels)
Chronic irritation or inflammation of the urethra
Age-related changes in the urethral tissues
Medicine Used
Topical estrogen cream: Used to address potential estrogen deficiency, especially in postmenopausal women.
Topical corticosteroids: May be prescribed to reduce inflammation.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications for symptom management.
Antibiotics: If secondary infection is present.
Surgical removal: If symptoms are severe or persistent, or if malignancy is suspected, surgical excision may be considered.
Is Communicable
No, a urethral caruncle is not communicable. It is not an infection and cannot be spread to another person.
Precautions
Maintain good hygiene in the genital area.
Avoid harsh soaps or douches that can cause irritation.
Use lubricants during intercourse if dryness is a concern.
See a doctor for any new or concerning symptoms in the genital area.
Follow your doctor's recommendations for management and treatment.
How long does an outbreak last?
A urethral caruncle itself doesn't have an "outbreak." It's a chronic condition. Symptoms may be intermittent, flaring up and subsiding depending on factors like hormonal changes or irritation. Without treatment, the caruncle can persist indefinitely. With treatment, symptoms can be managed or the caruncle can be removed.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical examination: A doctor will visually inspect the urethral opening.
Medical history: The doctor will ask about symptoms, medical history, and medications.
Urinalysis: To check for blood or infection in the urine.
Cystoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra to visualize the urethra and bladder (usually only if there are unusual findings or suspicion of other problems).
Biopsy: If the caruncle looks suspicious or if there's concern about cancer, a small tissue sample may be taken for examination under a microscope.
Timeline of Symptoms
Initial Development: The caruncle develops gradually. It may be present for some time before symptoms appear.
Intermittent Symptoms: Symptoms may come and go, varying in intensity.
Exacerbation: Symptoms can worsen due to factors like hormonal changes, irritation, or infection.
Progression: Without treatment, the caruncle may remain stable, slowly grow, or cause persistent symptoms.
Important Considerations
Although usually benign, it's essential to have any growth near the urethra evaluated by a doctor to rule out other, more serious conditions, including urethral cancer (although urethral cancer is rare).
Postmenopausal women should discuss hormone replacement therapy with their doctor if estrogen deficiency is suspected as a contributing factor.
Surgical removal may be necessary for persistent symptoms, diagnostic uncertainty, or suspected malignancy.
Even after treatment, recurrence is possible.