Post genital mutilation giant clitoral epidermoid inclusion cyst in Benin City, Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE

To report overall occurrence, and the mode of presentation and management of girls with post genital mutilation giant clitoral epidermoid inclusion cyst in an African subregion.

METHODS

This is a prospective experience with female patients who presented at two centers in Benin City, Nigeria, between January 2005 and December 2009 with clitoral epidermoid inclusion cyst following underground traditional female genital mutilation performed on neonates.

RESULTS

In total, 37 patients were seen with clitoral epidermoid inclusion cyst, 15 (40.5%) were post pubertal girls who could no longer cope with giant cyst that measured more than 3.5 × 6.5 cm in size at an average age of 17 (range 14-21) years. Ignorance, financial constraints, and the fear of possible prosecution by anti-female genital mutilation agencies were reasons for late presentation. Consequently, rapid increase in size of all cysts (100%), mass effect producing dragging discomfort in the vulva of 14 (93.3%) girls, social stigmatization of 12 (80%) girls by peers and spouses, sexual difficulty experienced by 10 (66.7%), and irritating bulge in the perineum of 10 (66.7%) girls, were the most common indications for surgical consultation. Outcomes of cystectomy that included total clitoridectomy performed on on an outpatient basis mainly with local anesthesia were encouraging with no incidence of recurrence recorded on 1-4 years postoperative follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Late presentation of girls with giant post genital mutilation clitoral epidermoid inclusion cysts was common. More campaigns against female genital mutilation and government policy aimed at encouraging patients with complications to seek early medical attention, and free treatment for those who present early are advocated.