Male Urethral Clear Cell Adenocarcinoma: Case Presentation and Literature Review of a Rare Cancer

Abstract

Primary urethral carcinomas account for less than one percent of all genitourinary cancers. Primary clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra (CCAU) is an extremely rare and aggressive tumor which predominantly presents in adult women but has rarely been documented in males. Diagnosis of CCAU is difficult as its clinical presentation shows significant overlap with various other conditions and carcinomas. Controversies remain regarding the histogenesis of CCAU. The histological diagnosis can be challenging and there are no definitive treatment guidelines. English literature to date only describes 17 previous cases of CCAU in males. Here we present an 18th case in a 29-year-old man.

Keywords

• clear cell adenocarcinoma
• urethral cancer
• nephrogenic metaplasia