Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
A case of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the Bartholin's gland in a 34-year-old woman with unusual presentation and early recurrence is reported.


METHODS
Clinical and histologie features were recorded. Immunohistochemical stains and cell-cycle analysis by flow cytometry technique on paraffin-embedded tumor tissue were performed.


RESULTS
The tumor presented as a painful nodule in the episiotomy scar three months after delivery. Initial treatment included only wide local excision. Six months later local recurrence occurred despite clear surgical margins. Histologically a predominant "classic" cribriform growth pattern was identified. Immunoreactivity in tumor cells supported dual epithelial-myoepithelial differentiation. Estrogen and progesterone receptors were negative. The DNA histogram revealed a diploid stemline and a low S-phase fraction.


CONCLUSIONS
ACC of the Bartholin's gland is a rare malignant tumor with great propensity for local recurrence. The optimal therapeutic approach has not been established due to the lack of well-defined prognostic parameters.
Krasević
M
M
Department of Pathology, University of Rijeka, Croatia.
Haller
H
H
Iternicka
Z
Z
Valstelić
I
I
Matejcić
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery