[Urethral cancer is rare and difficult to diagnose].

Primary cancer of the urethra is a rare condition with symptoms ranging from haematuria, urethral obstruction and pelvic pain to urethrocutaneous fistula and abscess. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered first choice of diagnostic imaging, but experience with treatment is scarce. We present a case of a 69-year-old woman with a one-year history of urinary obstruction. MRI revealed a tumour surrounding the urethra, and biopsies showed adenocarcinoma in situ. Surgery with removal of the bladder, urethra, internal genitals and lymph nodes revealed a periurethral cyst with both adenocarcinoma in situ and focal adenocarcinoma.