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Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a vulval epidermal cyst
Shirley Sze1, Ian Richmond2, Adam Bickers3
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital, Grimsby, Lincolnshire, UK. shirley.sze@nhs.net.
The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research
|October 28, 2016
Summary
Squamous cell carcinoma rarely arises from epidermal cysts, but this case details its occurrence in the vulva. The study highlights a rare vulvar cancer presentation and its management.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Dermatopathology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Malignant transformation of epidermal cysts is an uncommon event.
- Most reported cases originate in the head and neck region.
- Vulvar epidermal cysts are typically benign.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman presented with a rapidly enlarging vulvar epidermal cyst.
- The cyst increased to golf ball size over six weeks.
- Histopathology confirmed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma within the epidermal cyst.
Findings:
- The case represents a rare instance of squamous cell carcinoma arising in a vulvar epidermal cyst.
- The tumor was staged as FIGO stage IB.
- Strong p16 immunopositivity was noted, suggesting potential human papillomavirus (HPV) association.
Implications:
- This case expands the known sites of malignant transformation in epidermal cysts.
- It underscores the importance of thorough histopathological examination of vulvar cysts.
- Understanding p16 status may inform prognosis and treatment strategies for vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
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