Synchronous ovarian and Bartholin gland carcinoma: Case report and review of literature

Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2023 Dec;163(3):744-746. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14880. Epub 2023 May 23.

Abstract

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of synchronous ovarian and vulva (Bartholin gland) cancer. A postmenopausal woman presented with a complex multiloculated left adnexal mass and 2-cm right Bartholin gland mass. CA 125 was 59 IU/mL. Computed tomography of chest, abdomen, and pelvis showed a very large (32 × 13.5 × 22.5 cm) complex mass arising from the pelvis and extending to the level of the T12/L1 disk space. A right Bartholin mass with suspicious right inguinal nodes was seen. Midline laparotomy, total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophrectomy, infracolic omentectomy, pelvic peritoneal biopsies, and peritoneal washings were carried out. Wide local excision of the right Bartholin gland mass was carried out in the same setting. Histopathology came back as Stage 2B left ovarian clear-cell carcinoma and synchronous right Bartholin gland adenoid cystic carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion, incompletely excised, staged at least FIGO Stage 1B. Following local multidisciplinary team discussion and positron emission tomography scan review, the local committee agreed to start three cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy then proceed with Bartholin gland scar re-excision and bilateral groin lymph node dissection. After the three cycles, the groin lymph nodes came back as metastatic adenocarcinoma with overall morphologic and immunohistochemical features consistent with metastatic ovarian clear-cell carcinoma. Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was given. Initial follow-up period over 9 months was uneventful.

Keywords: Bartholin gland carcinoma; metastatic inguinal lymph nodes; ovarian cancers; synchronous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell* / pathology
  • Bartholin's Glands* / pathology
  • Bartholin's Glands* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Lymph Node Excision
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Ovary
  • Vulvar Neoplasms* / pathology