Publication:

A rare case of vulval leiomyoma

Vulval leiomyomas are rare smooth muscle tumors that may arise from smooth muscle cells within erectile tissue, blood vessel wall or round ligament remnants in the labia majora and they are clinically misdiagnosed as Bartholin cyst or lipoma. In our case, a 40-year-old woman presented with 8 years history of progressively increasing painless swelling on her vulva. Clinically it was diagnosed as a solid tumour due to its consistency and location. Hence surgical excision was done. Histopathology report was suggestive of leiomyoma with hyaline changes on microscopy. Major diagnostic problem with smooth muscle tumors of the vulva is the distinction between benign and malignant form, since many vulval lesions have similar appearances making it difficult to distinguish benign from malignant lesions by gross inspection. The recommended treatment option is local excision of the mass with pathological examination.