Hidradenoma papilliferum presenting with acute vulvar pain and postcoital bleeding: a diagnostic pitfall.

Hidradenoma papilliferum (HP) is a rare benign adnexal tumour arising from apocrine or mammary-like glands, most commonly in the vulvar region. We report a case of a woman in her early 30s who presented with sudden left-sided vulvar pain and postcoital bleeding secondary to a long-standing nodule that had remained asymptomatic for 3 years. Examination revealed a firm mobile mass on the left labia minora. The lesion was excised under local anaesthesia, and histopathology confirmed HP with characteristic papillary and glandular features. Postoperative recovery was uneventful with no recurrence at 6 months. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge of HP, which may mimic more common vulvar cysts, and underscores the importance of histopathological evaluation to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.