Primary Small Cell Neuroendocrine Tumor Within a Urethral Diverticulum.

BACKGROUND: Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary tract is a very rare cancer, accounting for fewer than 0.5% of urinary tract tumors. These are aggressive neoplasms with high rates of metastases. Urethral diverticula can be found in up to 6% of women.

CASE: A 31-year-old woman presented with a clear vaginal discharge and an anterior vaginal wall mass that was thought to be a recurrent cyst. After surgical dissection, she was noted to have a urethral diverticulum with a solid nodule at the base. Final pathology showed a high-grade small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.

CONCLUSION: Malignancy in a urethral diverticulum can occur in young patients. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility when choosing to manage urethral lesions expectantly.