Benign Phyllodes Tumor of the Vulva: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Phyllodes tumor is an uncommon breast lesion with characteristic histologic appearance when examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining: leaf-like fronds projecting into cystic spaces on low-power microscopy, and biphasic (epithelial and stromal) components on high-power microscopy. We report a rare primary case of this tumor arising within the vulva. A 34-year old African American female presented with a 3 cm slow-growing vulvar mass initially thought to be an inclusion cyst. The lesion was excised and histologic examination demonstrated this lesion to be a rare case of benign phyllodes tumor with morphologic features similar to those arising from breast tissue. Patient received no further treatment and did not exhibit any recurrence or metastasis. Nearly two years after excision, the patient died due to an unrelated medical cause. This rare tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis for women presenting with a slow-growing vulvar mass.