Bartholin gland cancer

Management of primary and recurrent Bartholin's gland carcinoma: A systematic review on behalf of MITO Rare Cancer Group

Bartholin gland carcinoma is an extremely rare disease. Information regarding treatment is scarce and there is no strict consensus on best practice. All studies reporting cases of Bartholin's gland cancer were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Baseline characteristics of studies were extracted. A total number of 290 manuscripts collected were available for the review process. Studies included in a previous systematic review were not duplicated. In total, details of 367 patients were collected, as follows: histological features, clinical presentation, treatment, recurrent rate, treatment of recurrence and outcome. About 35% of Bartholin gland carcinoma were squamous cell carcinoma. Almost 50% of patients presented with advanced stage. The therapeutic approach was mainly surgery, and in 61% of those women lymph node assessment was performed. Recurrence occurred in 21% of cases. Bartholin gland cancer remains a challenge for gynecologic oncologists. Guidelines, centralization to referral centers and standardized therapy are needed.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland, a case report with genomic data and literature review

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland (ACCBG) is a rare, slowly but aggressive malignancy. We reported the case of a 31-year-old woman who was treated by local excision and then hemi-vulvectomy, with positive margins and perineural invasion. Radiation therapy (RT) was then performed delivering 45Gy in 25 fractions in bilateral inguinal lymph nodes and 64.8Gy in 36 fractions on the vulvar area. After 30 months, there was no local relapse (LR) but the patient presented a histologically documented lung recurrence. Genomic profiling of the tumor showed a MYB-NFIB fusion transcript and a somatic mutation of PLCG1. A treatment by Lenvatinib was started. We conducted a literature review of 100 published cases. Patients were mainly treated by radical vulvectomy (30%), hemi-vulvectomy (17%), wide or local excision (21% and 24%, respectively) or other. Forty-four percent of patients received postoperative RT, more frequently in case of positive margin (71.9% versus 29.5%). RT may reduce the risk of LR regardless of margin status, with 15.4% vs. 41.9% of LR with or without RT, respectively, in patients with negative margins, and 13% vs. 33.3% of LR with or without RT, respectively, in patients with positive margins. The risk of relapse of any type was 40.9% in patients who received adjuvant RT vs. 48.2% in patients who did not. Median time to relapse was 24 months (range 6-156 months). The most frequent metastatic sites were lung (76.7%) and bone (26.7%). Optimal treatment for ACCBG is still not clearly defined but pooling the data from published case report help us better understand this rare disease and help in the therapeutic decision.

An update on current pharmacotherapy for vulvar cancer

INTRODUCTION

Limited data on the role of pharmacotherapy for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic vulvar cancer are available.

AREAS COVERED

This article aims to provide an overview of the current treatment options for patients with vulvar cancer. PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov were searched to review the current evidence as well as future perspectives on the role of pharmacotherapy in patients with vulvar carcinoma.

EXPERT OPINION

There has been no consensus on the pharmacotherapy for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic vulvar cancer. Concurrent platinum-based chemoradiation is the most widely used treatment modality for primary treatment or for neoadjuvant settings. Chemotherapy in metastatic disease is considered a palliative treatment. Anti-EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors seem to show promising anti-tumor activity in patients harboring EGFR alteration. Similarly, growing evidence supports the adoption of immune checkpoint inhibitors in both neoadjuvant and metastatic settings. Molecular and genomic profiling is advocated to identify target mutations. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR and HER/ErbB pathways might represent two intriguing treatment options. Treatments directed against HPV are discussed as well. Further evidence is warranted to identify the best treatment modalities for patients with locally advanced, recurrent, and metastatic disease.

"Intestinal-Type" Vulvar Adenocarcinoma: A Review of the MITO Rare Tumors Group

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (VAIt) represents a sporadic variant of vulvar carcinoma. It appears frequently localized to epithelial glands in the vulvar region, and it probably derives from cloacal remnants persisting in the adult. We performed a systematic review of the limited cases reported in the literature, with the intent to assess the specific peculiarities of this rare neoplasia and to state consistent management recommendations. The principal histological VAIt characteristic is that it resembles mucinous colonic carcinomas. Therefore, immunohistochemical workup, with different tumor markers including CK20, CDX2, and CK7 staining, is needed. To confirm vulvar origin, a thorough diagnostic, and radiological examination is required to rule out other primary malignancies. The gold standard of treatment for VAIt is surgery, with local excision with tumor-free margins. Lymph node staging is an option advised if the tumor size is >2 cm or if lymph node metastases are suspected on imaging. On the other hand, the role of neoadjuvant therapy is still in doubt, but a good response to adjuvant chemotherapy treatments has been described in both advanced and recurrent diseases. Sometimes, VAIt behavior can be unpredictable, with relapses even after many years, so more experiences and longer follow-up periods are needed to elucidate the best therapeutic management and its long-term prognosis.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical vulvectomy for adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland: a case report

BACKGROUND

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the Bartholin's gland is a rare cancer of the female genital tract for which there is no consensus on treatment. As there are no current reports on neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery for this disease, our case explores the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report a case of ACC of Bartholin's gland. The patient is a 69-year-old woman with a left vulvar mass. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a left perineal occupying lesion with indistinct boundaries to the surrounding tissues. The patient received two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a regimen of paclitaxel combined with cisplatin and the mass was significantly reduced. Subsequently, she received a radical vulvectomy and left inguinal lymph node dissection. The operation was successful, and the patient was treated with simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy after the surgery. The patient is currently 14 months postoperative and reports no significant pain with normal urination and defecation. The pelvic MRI was reviewed regularly, and there was no sign of recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the extent of the lesion was significantly reduced, which reduced the difficulty of surgery, thus reducing surgical complications and enabling complete resection of the tumor tissue. Based on the treatment of this patient, we speculate that preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be a better choice for patients with extensive and fixed lesions.

Next-Generation Sequencing Whole-Genome Analysis for Targeted Treatment Approach of Metastatic Bartholin Gland Adenocarcinoma: An Emblematic Case Report and Review of the Literature

Bartholin gland adenocarcinoma (BGA) is extremely rare and is characterized by high rates of lymph-node recurrence and distant metastases. No effective palliative treatments are available for metastatic BGA; therefore, advanced BGA remains a challenge for gynecologic oncologists. Considering the rarity of this disease and the lack of a standardized approach, the present study aims to discuss the available literature on current therapies for BGA and to describe an emblematic case treated with a novel tailored approach. A postmenopausal woman with advanced BGA was referred to our department for an adequate evaluation, staging and treatment. Notably, we used PET/CT as a fundamental imaging technique for staging and follow-up. The patient underwent primary surgery followed by standard chemotherapy and pelvic radiotherapy. Three months later, she relapsed, with the appearance of multiple metastatic sites. Considering the evident chemoresistance to standard chemotherapy and the absence of valid therapeutic alternatives for this rare cancer, she was treated with a combination of repeated minimally invasive surgical procedures for all the resectable metastatic lesions and innovative approaches comprising, firstly, chemoimmunotherapy with Nivolumab combined with metronomic vinorelbine, which resulted in a clinical response for approximately 7 months. Upon disease progression, we used a targeted systemic approach based on the whole genomic profile of the primary tumor, which showed PTEN loss, which is predictive of a benefit from an mTOR inhibitor, and a CCND1 amplification, which predicts sensitivity to CDK4/6 inhibitors. Therefore, she received Everolimus, resulting in a significant metabolic response that lasted 12 months. Thereafter, upon further progression of the disease, the patient started Palbociclib treatment, which is currently ongoing, with evidence of a metabolic response. The patient has survived for 54 months from diagnosis, with a good performance status. In conclusion, the present paper confirms the lack of efficacy of conventional therapeutic regimens in the context of advanced, recurrent or metastatic adenocarcinomas of the Bartholin gland. The case report shows how a personalized multidisciplinary approach based on repeated minimally invasive surgery and tailored anticancer treatment based on whole-genome sequencing analysis could be effective and associated with prolonged survival in this rare gynecological cancer.

Cancer of the vulva: 2021 update

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecological malignancy primarily affecting postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening and the most effective strategy to reduce vulvar cancer incidence is the opportune treatment of predisposing and preneoplastic lesions associated with its development. While vulvar cancer may be asymptomatic, most women present with vulvar pruritus or pain, or have noticed a lump or ulcer. Therefore, any suspicious vulvar lesion should be biopsied to exclude invasion. Once established, the most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment of vulvar cancer depends primarily on histology and surgical staging. Treatment is predominantly surgical, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma, although concurrent chemoradiation is an effective alternative, particularly for advanced tumors. Management should be individualized and carried out by a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center experienced in the treatment of these tumors.

A useful update for trainees and specialists regarding the diagnosis, staging, treatment, and some controversies in the management of vulvar neoplasms.

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin gland: A case report and literature review

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This entity has pathological characteristics identical to mucinous colorectal carcinoma.

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KRAS mutations are observed in approximately 40% of colorectal cancers.

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The treatment and management may not differ from that of squamous cell carcinomas.

Purpose

To report a case of intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin gland treated successfully with surgery and to review the current literature.

Methods

We report the case of a 45-year-old white woman with intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin gland treated with wide local excision followed by bilateral inguinal femoral lymph node dissection without adjuvant therapy. We also review the literature on the treatment and management of this rare tumor. We searched Pubmed / MEDLINE databases for previous case reports or series using the keywords “Bartholin gland”, “adenocarcinoma” and “intestinal type”.

Results

We found 19 cases of intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin gland published up to November 2020. The treatments described varied from case to case.

Conclusion

Intestinal-type adenocarcinoma of the Bartholin gland has been treated and managed in the same way as squamous carcinoma. Treatment of these cancers is understudied and involves local resection with curative intent. More case reports are needed to determine the best treatment strategies.

Adjuvant HPV Vaccination to Prevent Recurrent Cervical Dysplasia after Surgical Treatment: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: The aim of this meta-analysis was to discuss evidence supporting the efficacy of adjuvant human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in reducing the risk of recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 or greater after surgical treatment. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed for studies reporting the impact of HPV vaccination on reducing the risk of recurrence of CIN 2+ after surgical excision. Results were reported as mean differences or pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. In total, 21,310 patients were included: 4039 (19%) received peri-operational adjuvant HPV vaccination while 17,271 (81%) received surgery alone. The recurrence of CIN 2+ after treatment was significantly lower in the vaccinated compared with the unvaccinated group (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.21–0.56; p < 0.0001). The recurrence of CIN 1+ after treatment was significantly lower in the vaccinated compared with the unvaccinated group (OR 0.51; 95% CI 0.31–0.83; p = 0.006). A non-significant trend of reduction rate of HPV persistence was observed in the vaccinated compared with the unvaccinated cohorts (OR was 0.84; 95% CI 0.61–1.15; p = 0.28). Conclusions: HPV vaccination, in adjuvant setting, is associated with a reduced risk of recurrent CIN 1+ and CIN 2+ after surgical treatment.

Enteric Type Bartholin Gland Adenocarcinoma: An Unusual Variant of a Rare Neoplasm

Vulval cancer is rare. With Bartholin gland carcinomas representing <5% of all vulval carcinomas they present both diagnostic and management challenges. There are a small number of cases in the literature describing Bartholin gland carcinomas with unusual histology which necessitates the need to explore the possibility of metastases from elsewhere. We present a case of a 55-yr-old woman presenting with a vulval lesion within the Bartholin gland. Morphology demonstrated enteric type adenocarcinoma and the immunohistochemistry profile was positive for CK7, CK20, CDX2, CEA, and CA19-9. There was no evidence of an alternative primary cancer and the tumor was excised with negative regional sentinel node assessment. Genotyping showed no detectable mutations in KRAS, BRAF or NRAS suggesting a possible future role for anti-EGFR therapy.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland diagnosed after lung lobectomy: Review of the literature and a case presentation

Bartholin’s gland was first identified in human female in 1675 by Caspar Bartholin. The Bartholin gland is composed of several epithelial types: The body is mucinous acini, the duct is predominantly transitional epithelium, and the orifice is the squamous epithelium. Primary carcinoma of the bartholin’s gland is an uncommon neoplasm. Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of bartholin gland carcinom is a rare variant of bartholin gland carcinoma, comprising 15% of all bartholin gland malignancies. ACC of the Bartholin’s gland is characterized by slow growth so recurrence and distant metastases can take a long period. So distant metastasis has been found in only a few cases to the lungs, liver, bone and brain. Here, we present the case of Bartholin’s gland ACC after four years follow up and presented with a lung metastasis.

Brain Metastasis From Bartholin Gland Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is an extremely uncommon gynecologic tumor. Brain metastasis from a malignant gynecologic lesion is rarely encountered and the prognosis for this type of metastasis is quite poor.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We report a case of a brain metastasis from a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the Bartholin gland that was treated by surgical resection followed by whole-brain radiation therapy and review the literature.

CONCLUSIONS

Different treatment options, including resection, stereotactic radiosurgery, and whole-brain radiation therapy, as well as chemotherapy, are available and should each be considered on an individual basis.

British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) vulval cancer guidelines: Recommendations for practice

The purpose of this guideline is to collate evidence and propose evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of adult patients with vulva carcinoma treated in the UK. Malignant melanoma may present via similar routes and will be discussed. The reader is referred to the Ano-uro-genital Mucosal Melanoma Full Guideline [1] for more detailed recommendations. The management of vulval sarcoma is outside of the scope of this guideline. For further information, including details of guideline development and GRADE of recommendations, please see BGCS website for details (https://www.bgcs.org.uk/professionals/guidelines-for-recent-publications/).

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of Bartholin's Gland: What Is the Best Approach?

Background and summary: Among all vulvar cancers, primary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of Bartholin's gland is a very rare tumor characterized by a slow growth, a high local aggressiveness, and a remarkable recurrence rate. Due to its rarity, treatment remains a challenge for oncologists and gynecological surgeons. Key message: The present paper reports clinical, radiological, and histological features of ACC of Bartholin's gland and reviews the literature data on the treatment options with a particular focus on the potential role of particle radiation therapy.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is not HPV-related: A case report and review of literature

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the Bartholin gland is a rare gynaecological entity. Despite its slow growth and inconspicuous presentation, vulvar ACC has a propensity for perineural invasion and is therefore associated with high local recurrence rates. We report a case of vulvar ACC in a 61-year-old woman with a prolonged swelling of the Bartholin gland. This patient presented with pulmonary metastases at the moment of histological diagnosis. The vulvar and the pulmonary lesions showed identical histology. Despite a history of human papilloma virus (HPV)-related usual type vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia and cervical squamous cell carcinoma, the vulvar ACC was negative for both p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV-DNA. We conclude that HPV is not involved in the pathogenesis of pure ACC of the Bartholin gland. Additionally, we advocate a low threshold for performing biopsies of vulvar swellings in women aged >40 years, to rule out malignancy and to prevent diagnostic delays.

Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Bartholin's Gland: A Diagnostic Dilemma

Adenoid cystic carcinomas of the Bartholin's gland are extremely rare and are often misdiagnosed. There are currently no definite treatment guidelines. This article describes the case of a 33-year-old female who was managed at our centre for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland. She presented with a prolonged history of a vulvar lesion which was eventually diagnosed as adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland. She was subsequently treated with wide local excision of the primary and inguinal lymph node dissection followed by adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. She had gross perineural invasion on MRI imaging. The present case highlights the diagnostic dilemma in this extremely rare cancer and the literature further explores the natural history and treatment options.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland: a case report and literature review

Objective

The present study was performed to explore the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland.

Methods

The clinical data of a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland were examined, and the clinical manifestation, diagnosis, and treatment were analyzed.

Results

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland has a low incidence. The main clinical manifestations are vulvar lumps, dyspareunia, pain, itching, and bleeding. The diagnosis is based on gynecological examination and pathological biopsy, and the treatment is mainly surgical excision.

Conclusion

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin’s gland is rare and lacks specificity. Pathological biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, and surgical resection should be performed for treatment.

Diagnosis and management of vulvar cancer: A review

Vulvar malignancies represent a serious gynecologic health concern, especially given the increasing incidence over the past several decades. Squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are common subtypes, although other neoplasms, such as basal cell carcinoma and Paget disease of the vulva, might be seen. Many vulvar cancers are initially misdiagnosed as inflammatory conditions, delaying diagnosis and worsening prognosis. It is essential that dermatologists are familiar with characteristic findings for each malignancy to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management. Herein, we review the unique epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of each major vulvar malignancy, as well as discuss their respective prognoses and current management recommendations.

29-year-old with dyspareunia and vulvar mass: An unusual diagnosis of Bartholin's gland carcinoma

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Bartholin's gland carcinoma, adenoid cystic subtype, can occur in younger patients.

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These cancers are at high risk of local recurrence and surveillance is needed.

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There remains limited evidence specific to these cancers.

Cancer of the vulva

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecological malignancy primarily affecting postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening and the most effective strategy to reduce vulvar cancer incidence is the opportune treatment of predisposing and preneoplastic lesions associated with its development. While vulvar cancer may be asymptomatic, most women present with vulvar pruritus or pain, or have noticed a lump or ulcer. Therefore, any suspicious vulvar lesion should be biopsied to exclude invasion. Once established, the most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment of vulvar cancer depends primarily on histology and surgical staging. Treatment is predominantly surgical, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma, although concurrent chemoradiation is an effective alternative, particularly for advanced tumors. Management should be individualized, and carried out by a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center experienced in the treatment of these tumors.

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland: A case report

Primary carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland (BG) is a rare malignancy. There are extremely rare cases of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) of the BG reported in the English literature. A postmenopausal female presented with a 1-month history of increasing pain and swelling on the left vulva consistent with spontaneously bleeding. Pathology identified SCNC that arose in BG. The patient was treated with a radical wide local excision and bilateral inguinal lymph node dissection followed by six courses of chemotherapy. One month after primary treatment, without any pelvic recurrence or abnormal tumor markers indications, distant metastasis of the liver was diagnosed and VI hepatic lobectomy was performed. The patient maintained regular adjuvant chemotherapy every month under outpatient surveillance and has no local recurrence or distant metastasis.