Context:

Women cannot develop prostate cancer due to the absence of a prostate gland, but they can develop a rare cancer called Skene's gland cancer or female urethral adenocarcinoma (FUA), which is similar to prostate cancer. The Skene's glands, located on either side of the urethra, develop from the same embryonic cells as the male prostate and can produce a milky liquid that lubricates the urethral opening. Skene's gland cancer is aggressive and often symptomless in early stages, but symptoms can include painful urination, urinary difficulties, and blood in urine. Other conditions affecting the Skene's glands include cysts, abscesses, urinary tract infections, and skenitis, an infection often caused by gonorrhea. Treatment for Skene's gland cancer may involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, with survival times varying based on cancer stage and treatment efficacy.

Dive Deeper:

• Skene's gland cancer develops in the Skene's glands, which are analogous to the male prostate and can produce female ejaculation during orgasm. While extremely rare, this type of cancer is aggressive and spreads quickly, often without symptoms in its initial stages, making early detection challenging.

• Symptoms of Skene's gland cancer can mimic those of prostate cancer and may include a nodule on the labia, painful urination, weak urine flow, urinary leakage, and vaginal discomfort. These symptoms often appear once the tumor grows enough to affect surrounding organs and tissues.

• Various non-cancerous conditions can also affect the Skene's glands. These include cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can cause pain and urinary problems if enlarged, and abscesses, which are infected cysts that may require drainage and antibiotics.

• Infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs) and skenitis can impact the Skene's glands. UTIs can cause pain during urination and cloudy, foul-smelling urine, while skenitis, often due to gonorrhea, can result in pelvic pain and painful intercourse.

• Medical intervention is crucial for treating Skene's gland conditions, particularly cancer, which may require surgery to remove tumors, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The prognosis varies, with early-stage cancer patients having an average survival time of eight years and advanced stages averaging three years with treatment.

• The Skene's glands, sometimes referred to as the female prostate, produce a lubricating fluid and can become infected or develop cysts. Seeking medical care for urinary problems is essential, as these could be signs of Skene's gland issues requiring treatment.

• Overall, Skene's gland cancer is extremely rare compared to prostate cancer in men, but it poses significant health challenges due to its aggressive nature and symptom overlap with more common urinary conditions.