Can Women Have Prostate Cancer?
Most people know that men can develop prostate cancer, but can women have prostate cancer? The answer is, “Yes, sort of.”
Do Women Have a Prostate?
The equivalent of a prostate in women is called the Skene’s glands. This group of glands and ducts is at the front of the vagina. It is similar in some ways to the prostate, including that it contains prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA phosphatase (PSAP), two enzymes doctors use to assess the condition of the prostate in men.
Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
Women can develop cancer in the Skene’s glands, and, given their similarity to the prostate, the condition is sometimes referred to as “female prostate cancer.” It’s extremely rare, but it can occur. One older study found that prostate cancer in women accounted for just 0.003% of all genital cancers.
What Are the Signs of Prostate Cancer in Women?
Skene gland cancer symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Blood in the urine or passing from the urethra
- Pressure behind the pubic bone
- Frequent urination
- Menstrual cycle changes
- Pain during sex
- Difficulty urinating
Other Skene’s Glands Conditions
Although female prostate cancer is possible, other conditions related to Skene’s glands might give you similar symptoms. Your doctor might consider the following conditions when making a diagnosis.
Infections
What’s known as prostatitis in men can occur in women as an infection of the Skene’s glands. In the past, doctors sometimes diagnosed this as an infection of the urethra. However, healthcare providers today are increasingly aware of the Skene’s glands as a possible site of infection.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Skene’s glands are larger than normal in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). They may also have higher levels of PSA.
Cysts
The female prostate gland can develop cysts. Skene gland cysts typically resolve on their own but, in some cases, must be drained.
Adenofibromas
This type of noncancerous growth, which can occur on the Skene’s glands, sometimes causes pain during sex. These growths can be removed with surgery.
Female Prostate Cancer: How Baptist Health Can Help
While rare, female prostate cancer can occur. It develops in the Skene’s glands — the prostate gland equivalent in females. If you’re experiencing symptoms you feel may be caused by gynecologic cancer, Baptist Health can help. We provide services for assessing and treating various types of cancer in women. You can also learn more on our Gynecologic Cancer page and find a doctor near you.
