Polyps and papillary lesions of the prostatic urethra.

There is confusion over the type and nature of polypoid and papillary lesions of the prostatic urethra. These are uncommon growths which may present clinically with hematuria, frequency, obstruction or hematospermia. Pathologically, they usually occur in the region of the verumontanum and show papillary epithelial overgrowth. There is much variation in the terminology applied to such lesions, and many different theories of histogenesis have been advanced. Both benign and malignant lesions may occur. Two cases, one benign and one malignant, are described. The literature is reviewed and a rational nomenclature and histogenesis are proposed.