Bulbourethral gland

Bulbourethral gland, also Cowper's gland, is an accessory gland of the male reproductive system found at the apex of the prostate gland. It may be confused with prostate carcinoma, especially foamy gland carcinoma.

Schematic showing the Bulbourethral gland (Cowper's gland) in relation to other structures. (WC/Gray's Anatomy)

General

• Mucinous glands at the apex of the prostate gland.

Microscopic

Features:

• Lobular glands with abundant pale cytoplasm.
  • Resemble (mucinous) salivary glands.
• Often assocatiated with skeletal muscle.

DDx:

• Foamy gland carcinoma.
• Mucinous metaplasia of the prostate.

Images

• 

  BG - intermed. mag.

• 

  BG - high mag.

• 

  BG - very high mag.

• 

  BG - intermed. mag.

• 

  BG - high mag.

• 

  BG - very high mag.

www:

• Mucinous/serous salivary gland (duke.edu).
• Cowper gland (webpathology.com).

Stains

• Mucicarmine +ve.
• PAS-D +ve.

IHC

Features:

• PSAP -ve.
• PSA +ve.
• HMWCK +ve.

See also

• Prostate gland.
• Adenosis of the prostate gland.
• Cowper gland adenocarcinoma.