Skene’s gland cancer is a rare type of cancer found near the urethra, in the tiny glands that secrete fluid for lubrication during sex. Skene’s gland cancer is found in less than 0.003 per cent of all genital cancers in women.
The cancer is known as an adenocarcinoma of Skene’s gland, which usually occurs only in elderly women.1 The cause of Skene’s gland cancer is not known, but can be linked to HPV infection, smoking, and some hormonal medications.
Periurethral glands (Skene’s) are the female version of the male prostate when we are talking about the type of cells. This type of cancer closely resembles prostate cancer. Skene’s glands are known as the female prostate.2,3
Symptoms of Skene’s gland cancer
- Possibly no symptoms, especially in early stages
- Usually single tumour, but can be more
- Tumour may have an ulcer
- Ulcer may heal and then reappear
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or discomfort on urination
- Painful sex (dyspareunia)
- Abnormal bleeding caused by the ulceration of the tumour
- Itching or burning of the vulva/Skene’s gland area
- Elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in some women
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If you notice something unusual happening around your Skene’s glands or ducts, it could be a cyst or abscess, which are reasonably common, and treatable.4 See your doctor to be examined and get a treatment plan.
Risk factors of Skene’s gland cancer
- Over 40 years old
- HPV infection
- History of mother taking synthetic oestrogen hormones during pregnancy (can affect adult children)
- Irregular Pap testing
- Pregnancy earlier than age 16
- Women with multiple pregnancies
- Low immunity caused by HIV/AIDS
- Women taking immunosuppressive drugs
Treatment of Skene’s gland cancer
Treatment for Skene’s gland cancer is complete surgical removal of the gland, and possibly lymph nodes, followed by radiation.5
If caught early, outcomes are good, however treatment delays can lead to spread of cancer to the lymph nodes nearby.
References
- 1.Kyriazis G, Varughese A, Rodrigues G, Simms M. A Rare Case of Skene’s Gland Adenocarcinoma. Clinical Genitourinary Cancer. Published online June 2020:e300-e302. doi:10.1016/j.clgc.2019.11.022
- 2.Dagur G, Warren K, Imhof R, Gonka J, Suh Y, Khan SA. Clinical implications of the forgotten Skene’s glands: A review of current literature. Polish Annals of Medicine. Published online June 2016:182-190. doi:10.1016/j.poamed.2016.02.007
- 3.Reis LO, Billis A, Ferreira FT, Ikari LY, Stellini RF, Ferreira U. Female urethral carcinoma: Evidences to origin from Skene’s glands. Urologic Oncology: Seminars and Original Investigations. Published online March 2011:218-223. doi:10.1016/j.urolonc.2009.03.019
- 4.Tzelepis K, Zacharouli K, Samara AA, et al. Large Cyst of Skene Gland: A Rare Perineum Mass. Surg J (N Y). Published online April 2023:e71-e74. doi:10.1055/s-0043-1768944
- 5.Slopnick EA, Bagby C, Mahran A, et al. Skene’s Gland Malignancy: A Case Report and Systematic Review. Urology. Published online July 2022:36-43. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2022.02.004
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