High-dose-rate interstitial brachytherapy of Bartholin's gland: A case report

Objective. To preserve the organs and function of the anus and ureter, radi otherapy was chosen for an advanced vulvar tumor originating from Bartholin 's gland. Methods. The patient was a 74-year-old female with stage III (FIGO) vulvar cancer derived from the left Bartholin's gland. She received 63 Gy to the v ulvar lesion with external beam irradiation followed by 30 Gy of high-dose- rate interstitial brachytherapy. Results. One year after radiotherapy, simple vulvectomy and reconstructive surgery were performed. The anal and ureteral functions were preserved. His totogical examination revealed no evident malignant cells. Conclusion. Owing to the technological development of radiotherapy and impr oved reconstructive surgery, radiotherapy in treatment of the vulvar area h as become effective and safe and could be indicated more as a treatment opt ion for the sake of organ preservation. (C) 2000 Academic Press.