Epithelioid leiomyoma of the vulva

Smooth muscle tumors are uncommon lesions of the vulva and represent a vari ety of histologic types. When encountered, surgical treatment is guided by the malignant potential of the tumors. This article presents the case of a 45-year-old woman who underwent conservative excision of a 10-cm vulvar les ion consistent with benign epithelioid leiomyoma. This unusual case provide s an opportunity to review the clinical and pathologic features of this unc ommon variant of leiomyoma and to describe the recently suggested pathologi c criteria for determining the malignant potential of smooth muscle tumors arising in the vulva. Knowledge of these criteria can guide the clinician i n selecting the appropriate management.