Leiomyosarcoma of the vulva. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Leiomyosarcoma of the vulva is a rare mesenchymal tumor. Biologic features of a low grade tumor were investigated by an immunohistochemical workup.

CASE: A 38-year-old woman presented with a slowly growing vulvar mass. Surgical treatment was performed, and a low grade leiomyosarcoma of the vulva was diagnosed. Immunohistochemical reactions were performed with monoclonal antibodies against desmin, vimentin, smooth muscle actin, cytokeratin, S-100 protein, estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptor, p53 protein, Ki-67 antigen, leukocyte common antigen and polyclonal antibodies to factor VIII-related antigen. Expression of estrogen, progesterone and androgen receptor was present in addition to a moderate number of Ki-67-positive cells and absence of p53 protein overexpression and lymphatic cell infiltration besides adequate microvessel density for smooth muscle tumors. Since the immunohistochemical markers indicated a less aggressive tumor, any further adjuvant therapy was rejected. The patient was without recurrence 24 months later.

CONCLUSION

The immunohistologic profile proved the low histologic grade of vulvar leiomyosarcoma. The findings helped to estimate prognosis and plan therapy.