Can Women Get Prostate Cancer? It’s a common question, and the simple answer is NO—but the full explanation is more complex and incredibly important for women’s health. Prostate cancer is a disease that affects the prostate gland, a male-specific organ. Therefore, biologically, women do not get prostate cancer.
However, this doesn’t mean women are immune to a similar type of cancer. The confusion often comes from the fact that women have a gland that is the biological equivalent of the male prostate.
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What is the Female Prostate called?
While women do not have a prostate gland, they have two small glands located near the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. These glands are called the Paraurethral glands, but they are also commonly known as Skene’s Glands.
Because they are a homologous organ to the male prostate which means they develop from the same embryonic tissue. Some medical professionals and researchers have referred to them as the Female Prostate. But it’s not a formal diagnosis.
Know What Prostate Cancer is.
Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
No, women cannot get prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a disease of the prostate gland, which is a male-specific reproductive organ. However, women have a pair of glands called the paraurethral glands, or Skene’s glands, that are the biological equivalent of the male prostate. In extremely rare cases, these glands can develop a type of cancer.
What does the female prostate do?
The primary function of Skene’s glands is to produce a fluid that is released through ducts near the urethral opening. This fluid is thought to help lubricate the urethra and potentially protect it from infection.
Like the male prostate, these glands can be a source of various female prostate problems, including inflammation, cysts, and benign growths.
Can Women Get Prostate Cancer?
One among the other concerns is that, Can a woman die from Prostate Cancer? While women can’t get prostate cancer, the Paraurethral glands can, in very rare cases, develop a form of cancer called Skene’s gland Adenocarcinoma. The symptoms are often related to urinary or pelvic issues, which can sometimes be mistaken for more common conditions like UTIs or bladder issues.
Female prostate cancer symptoms can include:
- A lump or swelling near the urethral opening.
- Pain during urination or sexual intercourse.
- Presence of blood in the urine.
- Urinary urgency or a change in urinary habits.
Because these symptoms are similar to many other benign conditions, it is crucial to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. While extremely rare, a woman can die from this form of cancer if it goes undiagnosed and untreated, just as with any other malignancy. The key is early detection and appropriate medical care.
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Do women get prostate exams?
Generally women do not get prostate exams in the way that men do (a digital rectal exam). A prostate exam is a screening tool specifically for men to check the size and health of their prostate gland and to screen for prostate cancer.
If a woman is experiencing symptoms related to her paraurethral glands, a doctor would perform a different type of examination, which might include a pelvic exam to check for lumps, a urine test, or a Cystoscopy (a procedure to look inside the urethra and bladder).
Female Prostate Cancer Survival Rate
In females, Skene’s gland cancer is exceptionally rare, with only a small number of cases reported in medical literature. Due to this rarity, it’s difficult to provide a precise survival statistic.
As per available data, the prognosis is typically good if the cancer is detected early and treated promptly. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, which may be followed by radiation therapy.
Also, learn the Stages of Prostate Cancer and Survival Rate
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether women can get prostate cancer has a straightforward “no” answer. Women have a homologous organ ie; the Skene’s glands, that can be a source of health problems, including a rare form of cancer. Knowing the existence of these glands and their potential issues is vital for empowering women to recognise symptoms and seek a timely diagnosis.
If you ever have any concerns about unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to speak with your doctor.
FAQs
A female’s anatomy does not include a prostate gland. They have the paraurethral glands, which are the biological equivalent but are separate and distinct from the male prostate.
Women have two small glands called the paraurethral glands known as Skene’s glands. These glands are located near the urethra and are considered the biological equivalent of the male prostate because they develop from the same embryonic tissue.
Yes. Exceptionally rare, women can develop cancer in their paraurethral glands. This type of cancer is known as Skene’s gland Adenocarcinoma. It is not the same as prostate cancer in men but can be referred to as “female prostate cancer” due to the glands’ similar nature.
Symptoms can include a lump or swelling near the urethral opening, pain during urination or intercourse, blood in the urine, and changes in urinary habits. Because these symptoms can also be caused by more common conditions, it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
No, Prostate exam is a screening procedure for men. Women do not get prostate exams. If a woman has symptoms related to her paraurethral glands, a doctor would perform a different type of examination, such as a pelvic exam or a cystoscopy.
Information on the survival rate for paraurethral gland cancer is very limited due to its extreme rarity (only around 20 cases have ever been reported in medical literature as of 2022). The prognosis is generally good with early detection and treatment, which typically involves surgery and, in some cases, radiation or chemotherapy.
