Leiomyoma of the urethra in a Mexican woman: A rare neoplasm associated with the expression of estrogen receptors by immunohistochemistry

Background Leiomyoma of the female urethra is a rare condition, although it can occur anywhere along the genitourinary tract. Methods. We report on a 22-year-old woman found to have a urethral mass det ected in our hospital delivery room. Examination showed a 6 X 5-cm mass at the urethral meatus. Results. Pathologic examination revealed urethral leiomyoma. Immunohistoche mistry confirmed leiomyoma with positive staining for vimentin, desmin, and actin. Immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors was also detected. Conclusions. Because this lesion was discovered while the patient was pregn ant and it showed immunoreactivity for estrogen receptors, it is suggested that increased estrogen levels could accelerate smooth muscle growth. (C) 2 001 IMSS. Published by Elsevier Science Inc.