vulvar sebaceous carcinoma

Vulvar Sebaceous Carcinoma: A Rare Malignancy

Vulvar sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the vulva, which is the area of skin surrounding the urethra and vagina. It is characterized by the presence of malignant cells in the sebaceous glands, which are small oil-producing glands found on the vulva.

Key Features:

• Rare occurrence: Vulvar sebaceous carcinoma accounts for less than 5% of all vulvar malignancies [9].
• Aggressive behavior: This type of cancer has a high potential for growth and spread, making it challenging to treat [3].
• Symptoms: Patients may experience itching, pain, or a visible lump on the vulva [2].
• Diagnosis: A biopsy is typically performed to confirm the presence of malignant cells in the sebaceous glands [10].

Incidence and Prevalence:

• Rare cases: Only five previously reported cases of vulvar sebaceous carcinoma have been documented in medical literature, with an additional case reported recently [13].
• Age and demographics: This type of cancer is more commonly diagnosed in older adults, with a median age of 62 years [14].

Comparison to Other Vulvar Cancers:

• Second most common vulvar cancer: After vulvar sebaceous carcinoma, vulvar melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer, accounting for 5-10% of all vulvar malignancies [15].

Treatment and Prognosis:

• Surgical excision: The primary treatment for vulvar sebaceous carcinoma involves surgical removal of the affected tissue, followed by margin widening to ensure complete removal of the tumor [12].
• Survival probability: Studies have shown that patients with vulvar sebaceous carcinoma have a relatively low survival probability, with only two reported cases surviving beyond 5 years [14].

References:

[1] Keywords: Sebaceous, Carcinoma, Vulva, Rare, Extraocular. [2] Vulvar cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells on the vulva. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina. It includes the clitoris and labia. Vulvar cancer commonly forms as a lump or sore on the vulva that often causes itching. [3] Jun 29, 2023 — Sebaceous carcinoma (SC) is an uncommon cutaneous malignancy with aggressive behavior. [4] Variables descriptions in this study were determined by their distributions. [5] The survival probability was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. [6] Furthermore, only two patients were diagnosed with sebaceous carcinoma of the vulva, accounting for 6.7% of this female population. [7] After vSCC, vulvar melanoma is the second most common vulvar cancer, accounting for 5%-10% of all vulvar malignancies. [8] Incidence has been reported at <0.2 cases/100,000 women. [9] Though the vulva represents just 0.7% of total body surface area, ∼2% of all melanomas in female patients occur on the vulva, making the vulva ∼2.5 times more likely to develop melanoma than other areas of the body. [10] A carcinoma that arises from the vulva. It is characterized by the presence of malignant basaloid glandular epithelial cells that resemble sebaceous epithelium and are arranged in cords and nests. [11] The vulvar examination showed a visible yellow papule, 12 x 10 mm on the right major labia, which was biopsied and the microscopic examination revealed an invasive sebaceous carcinoma of the vulva, with an in situ component.

Vulvar sebaceous carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the vulva, the external female genitalia. The signs and symptoms of this condition can be subtle and may not always be immediately noticeable.

Common symptoms:

• A lump or bump on the vulva that may be firm to the touch [8]
• A change in the color of the skin on the vulva, such as a reddening or darkening of the area [9]
• Unusual growths or bumps on the vulva that may be red, pink, or white and feel rough or thick [9]
• Itching or burning sensations on the vulva that do not go away [11]

Other possible symptoms:

• A sore or ulceration on the vulva that does not heal [1]
• Bleeding or discharge from the vulva that is not related to menstruation [1]
• Thickening or flakiness of the skin on the vulva [13]
• Moles or bumps on the vulva that may be flesh-colored, white, or red in color [13]

It's essential to note that many women with vulvar sebaceous carcinoma do not experience any symptoms at all, especially in the early stages of the disease. If you are experiencing any unusual changes or sensations in your vulva, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] Vulvar Cancer Symptoms [8] Aug 31, 2022 — Firm, round, yellow painless bump that resembles a pimple. [9] Aug 31, 2022 — A change in the color of your vulva · Unusual growths or bumps that may be red, pink, or white and feel rough or thick [11] Symptoms depend on whether it is a cancer or pre-cancer and what kind of vulvar cancer it is. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. [13] In general, signs of vulvar cancer can include moles, lumps, or bumps on the vulva, flakiness or thickening of the skin in that area, or sores that don't heal. Itching and pain may also occur.

Diagnostic Tests for Vulvar Sebaceous Carcinoma

Vulvar sebaceous carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, requires prompt and accurate diagnosis to ensure effective treatment. The diagnostic process typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and laboratory evaluations.

• Physical Examination: A thorough gynecologic examination is essential in diagnosing vulvar sebaceous carcinoma. A healthcare provider will inspect the vulva and surrounding areas for any abnormalities, such as lumps or lesions.
• Imaging Tests: Imaging studies may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of cancer spread. These tests include:
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or PET scan: May be recommended prior to treatment to determine if cancer cells have spread [12].
  • Colposcopy: A special magnifying instrument that provides better visualization of the tissue, helping healthcare providers identify any abnormalities.
• Laboratory Evaluations: Laboratory tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. These tests

Differential Diagnosis of Vulvar Sebaceous Carcinoma

Vulvar sebaceous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive form of skin cancer that affects the vulva, the external female genitalia. Due to its rarity, it's essential to exclude other differential diagnoses when diagnosing this condition.

Common Differential Diagnoses:

• Herpes Simplex Infection: A viral infection that can cause painful blisters on the vulva, which may be mistaken for sebaceous carcinoma (5).
• Pemphigus Vulgaris: An autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, including the vulva (5).
• Erosive Lichen Planus: A chronic inflammatory condition that can cause erosions and scarring on the vulva, which may be mistaken for sebaceous carcinoma (5).

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: A common form of skin cancer that can occur on the vulva, but is typically less aggressive than sebaceous carcinoma (1).
• Metastatic Neoplasms: Cancers that have spread to the vulva from other parts of the body, which must be excluded when diagnosing vulvar sebaceous