Benign masses of the female periurethral tissues and anterior vaginal wall

Curr Urol Rep. 2008 Sep;9(5):389-96. doi: 10.1007/s11934-008-0067-3.

Abstract

Due to their rarity, benign masses of the periurethral tissues and anterior vaginal wall are poorly understood. Arriving at the proper evaluation and treatment is challenging because many of these masses have similar presenting signs and symptoms, as well as overlapping differential diagnoses. The literature regarding these lesions mainly consists of level III evidence, mostly involving case reports and series. Clinical management has traditionally been based on established surgical principles and expert opinion. This review presents the pertinent embryologic and anatomic background for these benign masses, as well as other pertinent etiological processes. Furthermore, the most current evidence is reviewed regarding the differential diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment for each mass.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Condylomata Acuminata / diagnosis
  • Condylomata Acuminata / therapy
  • Cysts / diagnosis
  • Cysts / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diverticulum / diagnosis
  • Diverticulum / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Prolapse
  • Ureterocele / diagnosis
  • Ureterocele / therapy
  • Urethral Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Urethral Diseases / embryology
  • Urethral Diseases / therapy*
  • Urethral Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Urethral Neoplasms / therapy
  • Vaginal Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Vaginal Diseases / embryology
  • Vaginal Diseases / therapy*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / therapy