Diagnostic challenge in mesenchymal tumors of the vulva: from suspected leiomyosarcoma to confirmed leiomyoma

Edwar Alexander Herrera Rodriguez Alfaro1

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37980/im.journal.revcog.20262765

Keywords:

vulvar leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma, smooth muscle tumors

Abstract

Introduction: Smooth muscle tumors of the vulva are uncommon (0.07% of vulvar neoplasms). Their presentation as giant masses may mimic malignant processes, posing a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to the histological similarities between benign variants and leiomyosarcoma (LMS). Case Presentation: A 31-year-old woman presented with a progressively growing vulvar mass of 8 months’ duration, initially diagnosed as a Bartholin cyst. Physical examination revealed a 20 × 20 cm mass involving the right labium majus. Following unsuccessful arterial embolization, the patient developed tumor necrosis and septic shock, requiring emergency surgical excision. Results: Initial histopathological examination reported a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm (grade 2 leiomyosarcoma) based on the presence of coagulative necrosis and a Ki-67 index of 15%. However, review by the Sarcoma Committee and a new immunohistochemical study revealed a Ki-67 index of 2% and absence of severe cytological atypia. The observed necrosis was determined to be ischemic/secondary (following embolization and sepsis) rather than tumor-related, leading to reclassification of the lesion as a vulvar leiomyoma. Conclusions: Secondary necrosis and the Ki-67 proliferation index may act as diagnostic confounders in giant vulvar tumors. This case highlights the critical importance of subspecialist review and long-term clinical follow-up (4 years without recurrence in this patient) to avoid oncologic overtreatment of benign conditions with an aggressive clinical presentation.

Published

2026-08-31

Issue

Section

Casos Clínicos