Vulvar Cutaneous Myxoma in a Patient With Carney Complex: Avoiding Pitfalls of Myxoid Lesions of the Vulva

Int J Surg Pathol. 2022 Feb;30(1):33-38. doi: 10.1177/10668969211020504. Epub 2021 May 24.

Abstract

We present the case of a 31-year-old woman who underwent surgical excision for a polypoid, vulvar lesion. Histopathological analysis showed a diffuse myxoid stroma admixed with scant collagen fibrils. Thin-walled and branching blood vessels were prominent, with a mild perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate. Cytologically bland spindle cells with inconspicuous nucleoli were immersed in a loose myxoid stroma. This combination of histopathological features along with multinodularity in the subcutaneous fat raised concern for deep angiomyxoma, a locally destructive neoplasm. Among our differential of myxoid lesions of the vulva, we ultimately favored the diagnosis of vulvar cutaneous myxoma. Upon further investigation, we learned that our patient was indeed known for the Carney complex. We highlight that vulvar cutaneous myxomas arising in the context of the Carney complex pose a significant diagnostic challenge for pathologists and should not be overdiagnosed as aggressive lesions such as deep angiomyxoma or other malignant stromal neoplasms.

Keywords: Carney complex; cutaneous myxoma; deep angiomyxoma; myxoid; vulva.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carney Complex / diagnosis
  • Carney Complex / metabolism
  • Carney Complex / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor