Metastatic medullary carcinoma of the vulva in a patient with MEN IIb syndrome

In Vivo. 2010 Sep-Oct;24(5):791-4.

Abstract

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) IIb is a rare genetic syndrome characterized by the occurrence of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma and mucosal neuromas.

Case report: A 43-year-old woman with MEN IIb syndrome presented to our department with a painful enlargement of the left side of her vulva, which was initially presumed to be an inflammatory Bartholin's gland process. Upon admission, the patient was on antibiotics with no response and surgery was decided. A wide local excision was performed and histology revealed a metastatic medullary carcinoma of the vulva.

Conclusion: MEN IIb syndrome is a clinical entity that may present multiple metastatic sites. To our knowledge, this is the first case of vulvar metastasis as part of the syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / secondary*
  • Carcinoma, Medullary / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2b / secondary*
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2b / surgery
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / surgery