Prostatic caruncle: a urethral papillary tumor derived from prolapse of the prostatic duct.

Tiny papillary tumors of the prostatic urethra in and around the verumontanum were demonstrated by urethroscopy in 21 patients who presented with hematuria. Histopathologic study revealed evagination of prostatic glands with polypoid, papillary and angiectatic patterns in varying degrees. We suggest that these lesions may be called prostatic caruncles because of their close similarity to female urethral caruncles. The mild inflammatory changes noted in our patients were considered secondary reactions to the local circulatory disturbance and erosion.