Some people wonder, “Can women get prostate cancer?” People born female do not have a prostate gland, making prostate cancer a condition exclusive to men’s health.
However, women have a lesser-known structure called the Skene’s glands, which share some similar features.
What Are Skene’s Glands?
Skene’s glands are located near the opening of the urethra, along the front wall of the vagina. They are part of the female lower urinary and reproductive tract.
These glands are related to the male prostate and produce fluid that plays a role in lubrication and urinary tract health. Because of their similarity to the male prostate, they are sometimes called the female prostate, though they are much smaller in size.
Can Cancer Occur in Skene’s Glands?
Although extremely rare, cancer can develop in Skene’s glands. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which arises from glandular tissue. In the few documented cases, symptoms often included:
- Persistent pain or discomfort near the urethra
- Blood in the urine
- A palpable mass near the vaginal or urethral opening
- Recurrent urinary tract infections that don’t respond to typical treatment
Diagnosis is usually made through physical examination, imaging studies, and biopsy.
What Other Conditions Affect the Skene’s Glands
Cancer of the Skene’s glands is exceedingly rare. However, problems that aren’t cancerous are more common. These issues can still cause discomfort or complications. These include:
Skene’s gland cysts
Blockage of the gland’s ducts can lead to fluid buildup and cyst formation. A cyst is an area of tissue that contains fluid. While these cysts are often small and painless, they can occasionally grow or become irritated.
Inflammation or Skene’s duct infection
Similar to other glands in the body, Skene’s glands can become inflamed or infected. This is especially true after trauma, irritation, or recurrent urinary infections. Gonorrhea is a common bacterial cause of Skenitis.
Skene’s gland abscess
If a cyst becomes infected with bacteria, it can turn into an abscess or a confined pocket of pus. An abscess can be painful, swollen, and may require drainage. Symptoms may include:
- Swelling or a lump near the urethra
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Fever and chills
- Purulent discharge
- Difficulty urinating
Chronic irritation or sensitivity
Some women experience irritation or burning around the gland openings without a clear infection. In these cases, inflammation may be related to:
- Hormonal shifts
- Hygiene products
- Minor trauma
Should I See a Urologist?
Any persistent symptoms in the urethral or vaginal area should be evaluated, especially if they include:
- Unexplained pain or pressure
- Bleeding unrelated to menstruation
- Difficulty urinating
- Urinary frequency
- A new lump or swelling that you can feel
- Discharge that is unusual or foul-smelling
- Pain during intercourse
Most Skene’s gland conditions are benign and treatable, and they rarely pose a serious long-term health risk when properly managed.
Diagnosis typically begins with a pelvic exam, where your doctor may gently palpate the area around the urethra to check for tenderness or lumps. If needed, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to visualize the glands and rule out other abnormalities.
If an infection is present, antibiotics are often effective.
Cysts may be monitored if they’re small and asymptomatic or drained if they become painful or infected. In rare cases where a gland needs to be removed, such as with a recurrent abscess or suspicious mass, minor surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis.
The answer to the question of “Can women get prostate cancer?” is no. But while women do not have a prostate gland in the traditional sense, Skene’s glands serve a related role in female anatomy. Cancer in these glands is very rare. However, other conditions, such as cysts or infections, are more common. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always worth discussing with your doctor.
Don’t continue to wonder, “Can women get prostate cancer?” – if you have concerns, call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment today!