Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

BACKGROUND: Bartholin's gland carcinoma (BGC) accounts for approximately 5% of all vulval malignancies-making it an extremely rare malignancy of the female genital tract. It commonly manifests as a painless unilateral mass, near the introitus. BGC more commonly occurs in post-menopausal women. Unfortunately, over half of cases are associated with a missed or delayed diagnosis as it is often mistaken for a Bartholin's gland cyst or abscess. These tumours have a predilection for local and perineural invasion. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the imaging modality of choice for suspected Bartholin's tumour. Although no current guidance dedicated to the management of BGC exists, the majority of cases are treated by primary excision and bilateral groin node dissection (GND). Chemoradiotherapy has a role in both the adjuvant and palliative setting. BGC are typically associated with more advanced disease at presentation, higher rates of recurrence and poorer prognosis than other vulval cancer sub-types. CASE DESCRIPTION: We share a case report of primary BGC-supported by high-quality radiological and surgical images; and further supplemented by a detailed review of current literature. CONCLUSIONS: We aim to generate improved clinician awareness of this rare pathology, highlighting the need for vigilance to avoid misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment delay; as well as contribute towards generating consensus on the approach to management of this gynaecological malignancy.

Original publication

DOI

10.21037/tcr-22-612

Type

Journal article

Journal

Transl Cancer Res

Publication Date

30/01/2023

Volume

12

Pages

201 - 208

Keywords

Bartholin’s gland carcinoma (BGC), case report, gynaecological-oncology, surgery, vulval cancer