Advanced neuroendocrine carcinoma (Merkel cell carcinoma) of the vulva: a case report and literature review

Authors

Keywords:

Merkel cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, vulva, vulval carcinoma, vulvar carcinoma

Abstract

Neuroendocrine carcinomas (Merkel cell carcinomas) of the vulva are extremely rare tumours, with very few cases reported to date. Herein, a primary neuroendocrine carcinoma (Merkel cell carcinoma) of the vulva is reported. A 34-year-old HIV-positive female on antiretroviral therapy presented with a four-month history of a right-sided vulval mass. She underwent surgical excision of a histologically confirmed neuroendocrine carcinoma. Twenty-four weeks after surgery, she died. This case illustrates the importance of a broad differential diagnosis for neoplasms in the usual sites, and the aggressive nature of this tumour, which to date has had limited effective treatment options.

Author Biographies

  • A R Botha, University of the Witwatersrand

     Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

  • L Mbodi, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

    Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, Johannesburg, South Africa

  • R Wadee, University of the Witwatersrand

    Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa

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Published

2020-12-15

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2020)

Section

Case Studies

License

South African Journal of Gynaecological Oncology (SAJGO) Copyright is held by South African Society of Gynaecologic Oncology (SASGO). Copyright of the articles is held by the authors. The work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial Works 4.0 South Africa License (CC BY NC). Material submitted for publication in the SAJGO is accepted provided it has not been published elsewhere. The SAJGO does not hold itself responsible for statements made by the authors. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. They do no purport to reflect the opinions or views of SASGO or its members.