Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland: a case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma is an uncommon histological type of the already rare carcinoma of Bartholin's gland with 51 cases described in the literature. We present a case of a 66-year-old woman who was admitted with severe pelvic pain. In an examination under anesthesia a 10x5 cm apparently fixed mass at the left vaginal wall originating from the area of Bartholin's gland was found. and biopsy indicated carcinoma. The patient underwent wide local excision. Although clinically inoperable, the tumor did not infiltrate the bony pelvis and no evidence of metastasis was found. Pathology examination revealed adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin's gland. PCR did not detect human papillomavirus DNA in the specimen. The patient has been treated with adjuvant radiotherapy, and is alive with no evidence of disease after ten months.