What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Vulvar Apocrine Cystadenoma

What is Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva? (Definition/Background Information)

• Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva is a rare condition in which there is a dilated cyst of the apocrine sweat glands. It is an uncommon tumor that occurs on the vulva (external opening to the vagina) as a painless nodule
• There are three different types of sweat glands in the skin. These include the apocrine sweat glands, the eccrine sweat glands, and the sebaceous sweat glands. Dilation of the apocrine sweat glands in the vulva causes Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva
• The condition can occur in young women. Currently, no cause and risk factors for Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva have been established
• In a majority of cases, no treatment is necessary for Vulvar Apocrine Cystadenoma, unless it causes worrisome symptoms
• The prognosis for Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva is excellent with suitable treatment, which is a simple surgical excision and removal of the tumor

Who gets Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva can occur at any age, but is common during the 30s and 40s in women
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background may be affected
• Worldwide, no geographical localization of the condition has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no risk factors have been identified for Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva
• Research is being undertaken to identify the relevant risk factors

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva is unknown, but some believe that the development of the cyst occurs due to obstruction of the sweat glands
• However, the condition is non-infectious; it does not spread through sexual transmission (or by direct physical contact) from one individual to another

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva?

The signs and symptoms of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva include:

• It usually occurs as a single, raised nodule on the vulvar skin. It can range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter
• These bumps can grow large enough to cause cosmetic issues
• The skin over the nodules may have a reddish discoloration
• The nodule is usually painless and non-itchy. They are mostly well-demarcated and firm to touch
• Occurrence of the nodule in the vulva is generally rare, for the most common location of the tumor is the eyelid

Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva typically occurs as a single nodule that grows slowly. However, multiple nodules may also be seen in some cases.

How is Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination
• When a flashlight is shined through the cyst, it can trans-illuminate the cyst due to the presence of the fluid
• A biopsy of the skin nodule, which is examined by a pathologist under a microscope. When the tissue is biopsied, clear to blackish brown fluid may come out. The pathological examination will help in a definitive diagnosis
• When viewed under a microscope, Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva usually occurs as a unilocular cyst, but sometimes it can also be multilocular
• Differential diagnosis of other tumors such as basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, blue nevus, and syringoma, should be ruled out; hence, biopsy is an important diagnostic tool

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva?

Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva is a rare, benign cyst and it does not cause any significant complications. However, the following factors can be a cause for concern:

• The presence of multiple nodules may cause stress and anxiety in the individuals
• Discomfort or difficulty during sex
• Recurrence of the cyst on its incomplete surgical removal

How is Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva Treated?

The treatment of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva may involve the following:

• In a majority of cases, removal of the cyst may not be required, unless the signs and symptoms are worrisome
• If necessary, a complete surgical excision can bring about a cure
• Cauterization (burning-off) of the cyst can be performed using a CO2 laser
• Once the cyst is completely removed, it usually does not recur. An incomplete removal of the cyst may result in its recurrence
• If the condition recurs, then injection using botulism toxin A to collapse the cyst has been helpful. However, injection using botulism toxin A is a seldom used procedure

Mostly, Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva is removed to confirm the diagnosis and to eliminate the possibility of other skin cyst types.

How can Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva be Prevented?

Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva occurrence.

What is the Prognosis of Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva is excellent with appropriate treatment, since it is a benign cyst.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Apocrine Cystadenoma of Vulva:

• There is no evidence to prove that oily foods and chocolate-based products have an influence on Vulvar Apocrine Cystadenoma formation
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse