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Case Report Open Access

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review

  • Authors:
    • Zhiying Ding
    • Guiqiu Liu
    • Chuanshan Zhang
  • View Affiliations / Copyright

    Affiliations: Department of Pathology, Central Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300170, P.R. China
    Copyright: © Ding et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.
  • Article Number: 149
    |
    Published online on: February 26, 2026
       https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15502
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Abstract

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the vulva represents a rare malignancy, characterized by its low incidence and often non‑specific clinical manifestations, which may lead to misdiagnosis and ultimately compromise patient prognosis. Therefore, early diagnosis and prompt intervention are crucial. The present study described the case of a middle‑aged female patient who presented with a notable mass in the vulvar region. Following comprehensive imaging studies and pathological examination, the patient was conclusively diagnosed with vulvar ACC. Pathological examination following surgery revealed tumor invasion into adjacent nerves and skeletal muscle. However, the surgical margins were clear, and the patient showed no signs of recurrence during the 6 month follow‑up period. Initial symptoms of vulvar ACC may resemble those of benign conditions such as Bartholin gland cysts or abscesses. In conclusion, the diagnosis of vulvar ACC requires comprehensive clinical evaluation, imaging and pathological examination. In the future, developing a comprehensive treatment plan and conducting long‑term follow‑up are necessary to improve the prognosis and management of patients with ACC of the vulva.
View Figures

Figure 1

Ultrasound examination (A)
Ultrasonography showed a 2.4×1.4×0.9 cm inhomogeneous echogenic
nodule (arrow), subcutaneously located on the right vulva. (B)
Internal echo was uneven and dot-and-strip blood flow signals
(arrow) were visible at the inner edge.

Figure 2

Representative histopathological
images of the tumor. (A) Transparent or basophilic mucoid material
was deposited within the lumens and varying sizes of sieve-like
pores. (B) There was evidence of perineural invasion and (C)
skeletal muscle invasion was detected at the leading edge of tumor
infiltration. (D) Residual Bartholin's gland tissue was present in
localized areas surrounding the tumor. Scale bar, 200 µm).

Figure 3

Representative immunohistochemical
images of the tumor. (A) CK7(+), (B) CK5/6(+), (C) P63(+), (D)
KI-67(~20%). +, positive. Scale bar, 200 µm).
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Copy and paste a formatted citation
Spandidos Publications style
Ding Z, Liu G and Zhang C: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review. Oncol Lett 31: 149, 2026.
APA
Ding, Z., Liu, G., & Zhang, C. (2026). Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review. Oncology Letters, 31, 149. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15502
MLA
Ding, Z., Liu, G., Zhang, C."Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review". Oncology Letters 31.5 (2026): 149.
Chicago
Ding, Z., Liu, G., Zhang, C."Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review". Oncology Letters 31, no. 5 (2026): 149. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15502
Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Ding Z, Liu G and Zhang C: Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review. Oncol Lett 31: 149, 2026.
APA
Ding, Z., Liu, G., & Zhang, C. (2026). Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review. Oncology Letters, 31, 149. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15502
MLA
Ding, Z., Liu, G., Zhang, C."Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review". Oncology Letters 31.5 (2026): 149.
Chicago
Ding, Z., Liu, G., Zhang, C."Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the vulva: A case report and literature review". Oncology Letters 31, no. 5 (2026): 149. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2026.15502
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