Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland: A case report

Objective: A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the Bartholin's glan d in a 34-year-old woman with unusual presentation and early recurrence is reported. Methods: Clinical and histologic features were recorded. Immunohistochemica l stains and cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry technique on paraffin-em bedded tumor tissue were performed. Results: The tumor presented as a painful nodule in the episiotomy scar thr ee months after delivery. Initial treatment included only wide local excisi on. Six months later local recurrence occurred despite clear surgical margi ns. Histologically a predominant "classic" cribriform growth pattern was id entified. Immunoreactivity in tumor cells supported dual epithelial-myoepit helial differentiation. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were negative. The DNA histogram revealed a diploid stemline and a low S-phase fraction. Conclusion: ACC of the Bartholin's gland is a rare malignant tumor with gre at propensity for local recurrence. The optimal therapeutic approach has no t been established due to the lack of well-defined prognostic parameters.