Stage IV carcinoma of the Bartholin gland managed with primary chemoradiation.
BACKGROUND
Optimal management of carcinoma of the Bartholin gland is not yet defined. Patients with locally advanced disease have historically been managed by radical and, occasionally, exenterative surgery. Although the management of advanced vulvar cancer has shifted toward conservative management with primary chemoradiation, there is limited information on the similar approach to the management of advanced Bartholin's gland carcinoma.


METHODS
We present a woman with stage IVA basaloid squamous carcinoma of the Bartholin gland. She was managed with primary chemoradiation in an attempt to spare her the morbidity associated with exenterative surgery. We discuss a rationale for the use of chemoradiation in advanced Bartholin's gland carcinoma.


CONCLUSIONS
Conservative management of advanced carcinoma of the Bartholin gland with primary chemoradiation may be appropriate while sparing patients the sequelae of exenterative surgery.
Downs
Levi S
LS
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware Street SE, MMC 395, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404, USA. downs008@umn.edu
Ghosh
Kris
K
Dusenbery
Kathryn E
KE
Cosin
Jonathan A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001472:Bartholin's Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000601:surgery