Latest news with #Skene
Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Can women get prostate cancer? Understanding the ‘female prostate', its function, and the rare risk of Skene's gland tumours
Female prostate cancer Most people learn in biology class that the prostate is unique to men. Yet human anatomy holds a small surprise: at the front wall of the vagina sits a pair of glands, the Skene's glands, that share many features with the male prostate. They contain the same enzymes (prostate-specific antigen and PSA phosphatase), may swell or become infected, and in exceptional cases can turn cancerous. According to Medical News Today, a 2017 literature review put the lifetime risk of true 'female prostate cancer' at a fraction of one percent of all genitourinary cancers in women. Still, because symptoms mimic more common problems such as cysts or recurrent urinary-tract infections, early tumours can be missed. Knowing what the female prostate does, how cancer might develop, and when to seek testing helps demystify a condition that—while rare—deserves a place on every clinician's diagnostic radar. What does the female prostate (Skene's glands) actually do Researchers using MRI and 3-D ultrasound have mapped these pea-sized glands around the urethra. The Skene's tissue produces a thin, alkaline fluid high in PSA—the same marker doctors track in men. Studies suggest this fluid may help protect the urinary tract from infection, contribute to arousal lubrication, and explain the G-spot's sensitivity. In people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) the glands are often enlarged, hinting that hormonal shifts influence their growth. How common is female prostate cancer According to Medical News Today, a 1994 database review found that Skene's gland tumours made up roughly 0.003 % of all documented cancers of the female urinary or genital tract—fewer than one case per 30 million women. Later reports confirm its rarity but caution that some urethral or vaginal cancers may originate in Skene's tissue and be mislabeled. Because awareness is low, pathologists now stain suspicious biopsies for PSA to avoid missed diagnoses. Female prostate cancer symptoms that overlap with more common conditions Palpable mass or firm lump near the vaginal opening Pain or burning during sex or urination Recurrent UTIs that resist standard antibiotics Unusual discharge sometimes streaked with blood These signs also occur with Skene's cysts, abscesses, or simple urethritis, which is why persistent symptoms after routine treatment should prompt imaging or referral to a uro-gynaecologist. Female prostate cancer diagnosis relies on PSA staining and imaging Pelvic MRI can reveal a solid lesion within the gland, but definitive diagnosis comes from a biopsy stained for PSA or PSAP. Elevated serum PSA has been reported in case studies, yet most clinicians use it only to monitor confirmed tumours, not to screen healthy women—the false-positive rate would be too high. Treatment mirrors protocols for other glandular cancers Because data are sparse, doctors adapt guidelines from urethral and prostate oncology: Surgical excision with clear margins is the primary approach for localised disease. Radiation or platinum-based chemotherapy may follow for aggressive histology or regional spread. Long-term outcomes are hard to predict, but individual case reports describe disease-free intervals of five years or more with early surgery. Female prostate cancer Related FAQs Do all women have a female prostate? Yes. The Skene's glands are part of typical female anatomy, though size varies from barely visible to several millimetres. Can a standard PSA blood test detect Skene's gland cancer early? Not reliably. PSA can rise from infection, cysts, or breast cancer; routine screening would create more confusion than benefit. It is mainly used to monitor known tumours. Are Skene's cysts precancerous? No. Cysts result from blocked ducts and carry no proven link to malignancy, but chronic inflammation may mask an underlying tumour, so persistent or recurrent cysts should be biopsied. Does PCOS increase the risk of female prostate cancer? Current studies show larger Skene's glands in PCOS, yet no direct rise in cancer incidence. Research is ongoing. What specialist treats Skene's gland disorders? Uro-gynaecologists and urologists with female pelvic-floor training typically manage diagnosis and surgery for Skene's conditions. Also read | Hair loss in females: 7 vitamin and mineral deficiencies every woman should check
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Construction firm to open first UK base in Aberdeenshire creating 20 new jobs
A well-known Aberdeenshire businessman will create up to 20 new jobs by opening a construction firm branch in the north-east. Ian Skene will head up operations of Latvian company Rebarmat's new UK distribution and sales. The company manufactures glass fibre reinforced polymer rebar, a sustainable alternative to steel rebar. Its products will be available to the UK construction and onshore and offshore wind markets for the first time. The new base at Thainstone Business Centre will create the jobs by 2027 – starting with regional sales roles. Once becoming fully operational, Rebarmat UK will also add local manufacturing to the north-east. Managing director of Rebarmat UK Mr Skene feels the launch comes at a time 'when the construction industry is seeking smarter, longer-lasting solutions'. Mr Skene is known for 'his expertise in sustainable developments and environmental compliance'. He said: 'The opportunities are growing, there is a mature industry for the use of this material now. 'I know people in the industry in the north and north-east and am fully aware of the potential here. 'With offshore wind, harbour and port upgrades and floating wind, the material is perfect. 'I will train people up in the north and get them used to the product. This is a pretty unique material and people I speak to are immediately seeing the benefits.' Mr Skene founded sustainable technology firm, Recycl8, and waste to energy facility, Agile Energy Recovery Limited. Mr Skene said: 'Customers can achieve significant cost savings thanks to reduced material quantities, easier handling, and lower installation and shipping costs. 'The product's durability means structures require far less maintenance over time. 'Making it a highly economical choice for both public and private sector projects. To now be able to offer this opportunity will be game-changing for the regions. 'The material ticks all of the boxes.'
Press and Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
All the best pictures from the Aberdeen Glee Challenge regional final
A champion school was crowned as Aberdeen's Glee Challenge regional final took place at the Music Hall last night. The winners from the previous rounds came together for one final performance to decide who would be crowned the city's best.. There have been some fantastic performances from all of the schools involved across the heats. But after a hotly-contested competition, those primary schools taking part in the final were Skene, Ashley Road, Fernielea, Elrick, and Seafield. The big winner, after a night of 'Scottish contemporary pop and rock' ended up being the youngsters of Fernielea. They will now go forward for the National Final, which will take place on June 22 at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. The competition is organised by the Frisson Foundation, which works to encourage primary school kids to get involved with music and the arts. Our photographer Darrell Benns was there to capture all the action from the regional final.
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Keith man who hurled homophobic abuse at constables handed unpaid work
A Keith man who called police officers homophobic and offensive names has been told to complete unpaid work. Jamie Skene, 28, had been collared by constables on July 24 last year when they spotted him and a group of young people in an area of Batchen Street in Elgin. They noted a smell of cannabis, which Skene indicated was coming from him, but when they moved to begin detaining those in attendance he launched into his tirade. 'The use of homophobic and degrading language' Fiscal depute Victoria Silver said his ranting soon turned to physical aggression, as he kicked and headbutted a dividing screen in the rear of the police vehicle. 'His behaviour is described as escalating and he's threatened to bite a police officer when he got out of the van,' she added. 'He's then struck his head again off the Perspex glass and shouted he was going to bite and harm them. 'He's obviously been instructed to desist. However, his behaviour has continued with the use of homophobic and degrading language.' Ms Silver said actions would continue at Elgin police station, where he was taken following his arrest. 'Completely lost his temper' Skene's defence solicitor, Megan Lee, told the court he had turned to 'substances' as a way of coping with his personal circumstances, which included lack of access to his child. 'Mr Skene was initially the cooperative member of this group. He did not run from law enforcement, he engaged with them, but he concedes he had completely lost his temper when a female member of the group was arrested,' she said. Ms Lee added Skene, whose previous convictions were not detailed in court, had completed his last two court orders. In addition to 100 hours of unpaid work, which Skene, of Den Crescent, will be made to complete over the next six months, Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov ordered him to fall under the supervision of the social work department for the next year and to engage with the Arrow programme. The Arrow programme helps provide advice and information to people with drug issues.
