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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Evaluation of Mammary Gland Development and Function in Mouse Models
Published on: July 21, 2011
Cysts of mammarylike glands in the vulva
S C van der Putte1, L H van Gorp
1Department of Pathology, University Hospital Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Insights
This study describes a rare hidrocystoma originating from a vulvar mammarylike gland (MLG). The findings help differentiate this vulvar cyst from other types.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic pathology
- Dermatopathology
- Histology
Background:
- Hidrocystomas are rare cystic lesions.
- Mammarylike glands (MLGs) are found in the vulva and can undergo cystic changes.
- Distinguishing between different types of vulvar cysts is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Observation:
- A hidrocystoma arising from a vulvar MLG was identified.
- The cyst involved the main collecting duct and exhibited specific cellular layers (myoepithelium, cuboidal/columnar cells with snouts) and lobular architecture.
- Associated structures included cutaneous glands (MLGs) and dartos muscle.
Findings:
- The described hidrocystoma possesses unique histological features differentiating it from vestibular, urogenital sinus, and keratinous cysts.
- A second, microscopically evident cystic lesion of MLGs, resembling involution cysts in other glands, was also observed.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of vulvar cyst pathology.
- Accurate histopathological identification is key for managing vulvar cystic lesions.
- Recognizing MLG involution cysts contributes to the differential diagnosis of vulvar masses.
Abstract:
A hidrocystoma which originated in a mammarylike gland (MLG) of the vulva is described. It involved the main collecting duct and was characterized by a peripheral basal layer of myoepithelium and a luminal layer of cuboidal to columnar cells with discrete cytoplasmic snouts and by lobules opening into the cavity. Adhering to it were cutaneous glands, including MLGs, and dartos muscle. These features distinguish it from the other cysts of the vulva, including vestibular, urogenital sinus, and keratinous cysts. Another cystic lesion of the MLGs was evidenced only microscopically and involved multiple whole glands. It resembled similar alterations in eccrine, apocrine, and mammary glands, and most likely represented involution cysts of MLGs.
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