Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Bartholin's Gland: A Case Report

A Case of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma Mimicking a Bartholin Cyst and Literature Review

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin Gland (BG-ACC) is a rare form of vulval cancer with only approximately 350 reported cases since 1864. A review of available literature and case reports suggests an aggressive nature with protracted clinical symptoms and a tendency for local recurrence despite adequate surgical excision with or without adjuvant radiotherapy. Survival rates of 71% and 59% are reported at five and ten years. This case report endeavours to add to our body of knowledge regarding this rare disease and thus help broaden and improve our understanding of management and treatment success.

Bartholin gland cancer

INTRODUCTION

Bartholin gland carcinoma is an extremely rare condition. Because of its, phase III trials have not been carried out, there exists no unanimous consensus on treatment and guidelines are missing.

METHODS

All studies reporting cases of Bartholin cancer were collected and screened for the evaluations. Baseline characteristics of studies were extracted and were queried in a database.

RESULTS

A total number of 133 manuscripts collected were available for the review process, representing a total number of 275 reported cases. The histological type of Bartholin gland cancer was specified in 90.4% cases: 30.7% cases were squamous cell carcinoma, 29.6% adenoid cystic carcinoma, 25% adenocarcinomas. At multivariate analysis adenocarcinoma histotype and positive lymph node were statistical correlated with worse prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Bartholin gland cancer remains a challenge for gynecologic oncologists. To better understand and treat this disease, centralization to referral centers and design of multi institutional trials is crucial.