Massive localized lymphedema of the vulva: report of a case and review of the literature

J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2014 Apr;18(2):E46-9. doi: 10.1097/LGT.0b013e31829cf432.

Abstract

Background: Massive localized lymphedema (MLL) is a recently described entity associated with obesity, most often on the thighs. It rarely occurs on the vulva, and it may pose diagnostic difficulty for both clinician and pathologist in this setting.

Case: An obese 55-year-old woman underwent excision of bilateral polypoid vulvar masses. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of MLL.

Conclusions: Although MLL is not common on the vulva, with the increasing incidence of obesity in the population, more cases can be anticipated, and an awareness of this lesion is important.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Histocytochemistry
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema / diagnosis*
  • Lymphedema / pathology*
  • Lymphedema / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Microscopy
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications*
  • Vulvar Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Vulvar Diseases / pathology*
  • Vulvar Diseases / surgery