Зображення 01142. Urethral caruncle

Urethral caruncle is a rather common change in elderly women. The suggested aetiology is laxity and prolapse of the mucous membranes, together with oedema due to local irritation. A caruncle is usually symptomless and is found incidentally. Often there is, however, slight bleeding, and bloodstains are found in the underpants, panty liners or incontinence pads (which may lead to the erroneous conclusion that the patient has postmenopausal uterine bleeding). There may also be a burning sensation in the urethral orifice. A caruncle is soft whereas a urethral neoplasm (very rare) is solid. A caruncle is an innocent finding and does usually not require any treatment. In exceptional cases, when the caruncle is large and symptomatic, cauterization, cryotherapy, laser therapy or surgical removal may come into question.