Cystadenocarcinoma of Bartholin’s gland - Histopathological and immunohistochemical study

Abstract

Bartholin’s glands are bilateral, mucus-secreting, tubuloacinar glands located within the submucosa of the vulva of ruminants. Seven years old graded Murrah buffalo was reported to have vaginal prolapse. Clinical examination of the vagina revealed a cyst like structure measuring about 7x6 cm and seen on the Bartholin’s gland and on incision it was pink, soft, and fluctuating. The mass was removed as per the standard routine surgical procedure. The mass had a thick wall and contained about 100 ml of clear fluid. The inner side revealed a rough surface and multiple soft raised areas. Microscopical examination revealed invasive, pleomorphic neoplastic epithelial cells that formed irregular tubules and glands with abundant fibrous stroma and inflammation. The tubules were lined by single to double layered eosinophilic anaplastic cuboidal to columnar cells. The proliferated lining cells had large round to oval vesicular nuclei and prominent nucleoli and a few mitotic figures. Some glandular structures were dilated and cystic or irregularly shaped. Local invasion into the surrounding muscles was noticed. Based on gross and histopathological features the case was diagnosed as Bartholin’s gland cystadenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemical staining revealed strong positive reaction with cytokeratin. After treatment, animal recovered uneventfully and there was no recurrence.