Skene’s gland anatomy features and functions

Minor vestibular glandss

1. “ Skene’s Glands” MINOR VESTIBULAR GLANDS

2. Derived from the name of the American Gynaecologist, “Alexander J.C. Skene ”, also known by the various names such as- the minor vestibular, the paraurethral gland , the periurethral gland and female prostate glands(because prostate in males and skene’s function is kind of similar). The gland helps in lubrication of opening of urethra by secreting fluid which constitute prostate specific antigen(PSA) and other substances that are similar to composition of male prostate fluid Introduction of Skene’s Glands

3. Skene’s glands are located within the distal walls of urethra . Weight of the glands is around 5.2g in average its size is 3.3cm×1.9cm×1cm( length×width×height ). Ducts of the Skene’s gland opens in vestibule of vagina from both sides of external urethral orifice. The ducts are lined with cells that produce the fluid, which is then released through tiny openings in the urethral wall. Anatomy of the Skene’s Glands

4. The prostate arises from epithelial buds that emerge from the embryonic urogenital sinus (UGS).Prostatic development in the human is still mysterious. Prostatic development is basically divided in stages: P re-bud UGS , emergence of solid prostatic epithelial buds from urogenital sinus epithelium (UGE), bud elongation and branching, canalization of the solid epithelial cords, Differentiation of luminal and basal epithelial cells Secretory cytodifferentiation . Development of Prostate

5. Skene glands plays a role in lubrication of the vagina by releasing mucus during sexual activity also the secretions consists of antimicrobial actions which prevents urinary tract infections, a bacterial infection that affects parts of urinary system like bladder(Acute cystitis),kidney, urethra. Also Some studies say it’s mucus prevents STD’s. Function of Skene’s Gland

6. Female ejaculation is kind of similar as the ejaculation of sperms in males ,the skene’s glands produce such fluid in females .  Constituents of female ejaculation are,enzymes prostate-specific antigen and prostatic acid phosphatase . It also contains small amounts of creatinine and urea, urine's primary components. Also, compose of glucose, fructose. Skene’s Gland and Female Ejaculation

7. Disorders Associated with skene’s glands

8. Skenitis ,which can cause urethral-vaginal septa pain, unresponsiveness to Antibiotics and certain supportive measures in Skenitis require surgical procedures. The infection causing Skenitis is also the cause for Gonorrhea which is a STD cause by the bacteria found in the penial discharge and in vaginal fluid . SYMPTOMS :- Suprapubic pain Dysuria Urethral pain Vaginal discharge SKENITIS

9. TREATMENT:- Skenitis requires a long antibiotic course which is 4-6 weeks longer . This antibiotic treatment method is more relatable to antibiotic treatments for prostatitis than for UTI. For acute skenitis includes warm, moist compresses and sitz baths.

10. Skene’s glands cyst are generally small painful fluctuant mass of cell, which also causes abnormal redness in mucous membrane due to accumulation of blood in capillaries,they happen because of the obstruction in the duct due to an infection, observed in women who are in their 3-4 decade of life. SYMPTOMS:- Dysuria (Pain during urination) Dyspareunia (persistent genital pain) Urinary Tract Infections Skene’s Glands Cyst ( cystitis)

11. Treatment:- Excision of cyst surgically Marsupialization - a surgical procedure in which suturing is done to form a continuous surface from the exterior surface to the inferior surface of the cysts.

12. Skene Gland’s Adenocarcinoma ( or cancer of skene’s glands ) is a rare and malignant tumor that typically affects middle-aged and elderly women. Adenocarcinoma of the female urethra accounts for 10% of all urethral cancers.   Skene’s gland carcinoma may have intestinal differentiation or immunohistochemical characteristics of intestinal differentiation. ADENOCARCINOMA

13. First Case of Adenocarcinoma T he patient was a 54-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital due to vaginal bleeding and a vaginal mass, accompanied by multiple lymph nodes and vulvar metastases .