PRIMARY-CARCINOMA OF THE BARTHOLIN GLAND - CASE-REPORTS AND REVIEW OFTHE LITERATURE

Three cases of primary carcinoma of the Bartholin gland of different h istologic types, including adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, an d adenoid cystic carcinoma, treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hos pital are reported. This experience stresses the need to consider Bart holin gland carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of masses in this location. The need for wide local excision of these masses is necessar y, especially in older patients. Because these tumors are very rare, c urrent treatment recommendations are based on limited experience. Mana gement may include wide local excision, radical vulvectomy, inguinal l ymph node dissection, and adjunctive radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In adenoid cystic carcinoma, the adjunctive radiotherapy is necessary on ly if the margins are positive.