What is a caruncle?

A urethral caruncle is a small, benign (noncancerous) growth or skin on the outside of your urethra (the hole you pee from). This tissue or skin is part of your urethra that has prolapsed (or stuck out) on one edge. Urethral caruncles aren’t dangerous, and they don’t require treatment unless you have painful symptoms.

What is the uterine caruncle?

Caruncles are oval or round thickenings in the uterine mucosa resulting from proliferation of subepithelial connective tissue. As shown in the image below, caruncles are readily visible in the non-pregnant uterus. Further, they are the only site in the uterus to form attachments with fetal membranes.

Where is a caruncle located?

A urethral caruncle is a benign fleshy outgrowth of the posterior urethral meatus. It is the most common lesion of the female urethra and occurs primarily in postmenopausal women.

What are the symptoms of a caruncle?

[1] Urethral caruncles in 32% of cases are asymptomatic. When present, the most common symptoms are dysuria, pain or discomfort, dyspareunia, and rarely bleeding. The mass may be large and bleeds easily.

What causes a swollen caruncle?

Rubbing your eyes (especially with your knuckles) The site of intense itchiness is located in the inner part of the eye called the caruncle (see pic). The allergens ( i.e. pollen) irritates the caruncle and causing it to be inflammed and swollen.

Does a caruncle bleed?

A urethral caruncle is a benign fleshy outgrowth of the posterior urethral meatus. Although cases of urethral caruncle are typically asymptomatic, some may present with heavy bleeding.

Why is my caruncle swollen and itchy?

The allergens ( i.e. pollen) irritates the caruncle and causing it to be inflammed and swollen. In addition, both the allergens and inflammatory “stuff” the eyes produces to fight the allergen accumulates in the caruncle area leading to become the epicenter of itchiness.

What is the pink thing in the corner of your eye?

In addition to the puncta, the corner of the eye also contains the lacrimal caruncle. It’s the small pink section in the corner of the eye. It’s made up of glands that secrete oils to keep the eye moist and protect it against bacteria.

Do Caruncles go away?

Urethral caruncle cysts don’t need to be treated if there are no symptoms. Some urologists suggest using estrogen cream or HRT to make the caruncle go away. If the caruncle is large or causes problems, your urologist may remove it and burn its base.