Case report from Mayo Clinic: Locally advanced Bartholin gland carcinoma

Abstract

Case report from Mayo Clinic: Locally advanced Bartholin gland carcinoma Tumors of the Bartholin gland are rare, comprising less than 5% of all vulvar malignancies. Treatment is largely based on that of vulvar and anal squamous cell carcinomas. A case of invasive, grade 4, poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is presented. Our patient, a 47-year-old woman, had a history significant for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia treated with conization, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and tobacco use. The course of treatment included preoperative radiotherapy plus 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin chemotherapy, followed by restaging and posterior exenteration in combination with vaginal reconstruction.

Bartholin’s gland carcinoma—the diagnostic and management challenges of a rare malignancy—a case report and review of current literature

“…One study of 33 patients reported a significantly higher incidence amongst African Americans; but did not identify any association with smoking status or BMI ( 2 ). Whilst some suggest BGC may be a sequelae of previous infection, in the majority of cases there is no pre-existing history of Bartholin gland disorders ( 9 , 10 ). The squamous cell subtype has, however, been linked to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) ( 10 - 12 ).…”

“…Whilst some suggest BGC may be a sequelae of previous infection, in the majority of cases there is no pre-existing history of Bartholin gland disorders ( 9 , 10 ). The squamous cell subtype has, however, been linked to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) ( 10 - 12 ).…”

“…The Bartholin’s gland proper is composed of columnar epithelium ( 10 ). The adjoining ducts are lined by stratified squamous cells, which transform distally into a transitional cell epithelium ( 10 ). The majority (50%) of BGC cases are SCCs, arising within these ducts ( 2 ).…”

“…This may be attributed in part to the rich vascular and lymphatic networks surrounding the tumour bed facilitating ease of haematogenous and lymphatic dissemination ( 13 ). Up to 42% of patients with BGC may have lymph node involvement at diagnosis ( 2 , 9 , 10 ). One study reported as many as 60.6% presenting with stage III/IV disease ( 2 ), with the lungs and bone being the most common sites for distant metastases ( 9 , 10 ).…”

“…Up to 42% of patients with BGC may have lymph node involvement at diagnosis ( 2 , 9 , 10 ). One study reported as many as 60.6% presenting with stage III/IV disease ( 2 ), with the lungs and bone being the most common sites for distant metastases ( 9 , 10 ).…”