What Is a Urethral Caruncle?

Female friends often develop urinary tract disorders—such as urethral caruncles—due to inadequate personal hygiene. However, many people remain unaware of what this condition actually is. So, what exactly is a urethral caruncle?

What Is a Urethral Caruncle?

A urethral caruncle is a common benign, polypoid lesion occurring at the external urethral orifice in women—particularly middle-aged and elderly women—and is also known as a urethral granuloma or angiomatous polyp.

Urethral caruncles are typically small in size and usually solitary. They most commonly occur at the external urethral meatus—especially when it is prolapsed—and rarely develop within the urethral lumen itself. The lesion protrudes from the urethral mucosal surface, presenting as a smooth, pedunculated mass with a broad base, appearing reddish-pink. It is easily friable and prone to bleeding upon palpation. Approximately 5% of urethral caruncles may undergo malignant transformation. Histopathologically, urethral caruncles are classified into three types: papillomatous, angiomatous, and granulomatous—with the papillomatous type being the most common.

The most prominent symptom is a sensation of a foreign body during urination, often accompanied by hematuria (blood in the urine) after voiding. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for diagnosis and management. In cases associated with decreased estrogen levels, topical estrogen ointment may be prescribed; surgical excision remains the definitive treatment. Patients should schedule regular follow-up visits to monitor for disease progression. Postoperatively, proper wound care is critical: wear only cotton undergarments—avoid tight-fitting or synthetic fabrics—and maintain healthy lifestyle and dietary habits. We hope this information proves helpful.