Adenoid cystic carcinoma of Bartholin gland

Five cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin gland, a rare vulvar tumor, are reviewed with respect to clinical and pathological characteristics. Histologic transition from normal Bartholin gland to adenoid cystic carcinoma was evident in two cases. Two patients developed the tumor in association with pregnancy. Local recurrences are common and may precede distant metastases, pulmonary being the most common. Patients with repetitive local recurrence or pulmonary metastases may have slowly progressive disease and survive for many years. This is reflected in the disparity between the progression-free interval and survival curves. The recommended primary treatment is wide local excision, obtaining clear margins, and an ipsilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy.