Recurrent vulvar breast fibroadenoma: presentation of a rare clinical condition

Abstract

Vulvar fibroadenoma is an ectopic mammary-like fibroepithelial tumor of undetermined pathogenesis. Surgery is usually the primary option of treatment for this condition. Recurrent vulvar fibroadenoma is a rare clinical condition, and it has therapeutic challenges for surgeons and pathologists. Three cases of recurrent vulvar fibroadenoma were reviewed and studied (at 25, 39, and 18 years old for each case). We summarize and report our clinical experience on recurrent vulvar fibroadenoma. All patients were surgically managed with a satisfactory outcome and were followed up for at least 6 months. This is the first case series to address a rare clinical condition in vulvar fibroadenoma. Tumor size, conditions of high hormonal exposure, iatrogenic issues, and residual lesions contribute to recurrence. The standard surgical strategy for vulvar fibroadenoma is important for lowering the risk of local recurrence.

Keywords: Fibroadenoma; breast neoplasms; lesion; recurrence; tumor; vulva.

Figure 1.

Sonographic images show typical features of vulvar fibroadenoma. (a) Hypoechoic mass with a clear border and well-defined margin (red arrow); (b) hypoechoic nutrient vessels in a reticular manner (arrows); and (c) measurement of the resistance index of nutrient vessels in the mass.

Figure 2.

Microphotograph shows typical histological features of vulvar fibroadenoma. (a) Hematoxylin–eosin staining (×40) shows epithelial and mesenchymal proliferation of which the growth pattern is the pericanalicular style; (b) glands have dual layers composed of an inner epithelial and outer myoepithelial layer; and (c) the epithelium is composed of a single layer with cuboidal-to-columnar cells.