Bulbourethral gland

File:Gray1136.png

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

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.

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.
• Cowper gland adenocarcinoma.

Images

• Bulbourethral gland -- intermed mag.jpg

  BG - intermed. mag.

• Bulbourethral gland -- high mag.jpg

  BG - high mag.

• Bulbourethral gland -- very high mag.jpg

  BG - very high mag.

• Bulbourethral gland - alt -- intermed mag.jpg

  BG - intermed. mag.

• Bulbourethral gland - alt -- high mag.jpg

  BG - high mag.

• Bulbourethral gland - alt -- very high mag.jpg

  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.