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

• Benign Phyllodes Tumour of Vulva
• Benign Phylloides Tumor of Vulva
• Benign Vulvar Phyllodes Tumor

What is Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Definition/Background Information)

• Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is a rare tumor that arises in the vulva (area around the external vaginal opening). The tumor shows histologic features similar to benign phyllodes tumor of breast
• In general, phyllodes tumor may be classified as benign, malignant, or borderline tumor based on their behavior. A majority of the tumors behave in a benign fashion
• The tumor may affect a wide age range of women (both young and old). There are no well-established risk factors for the development of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva and the cause of the condition is unknown. However, it is believed to form from specialized (mammary type) anogenital glands
• The signs and symptoms of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva include the presence of a vulvar mass that causes pain and discomfort. The complications may include secondary infections due to tumor skin ulceration and recurrence of the tumor following its surgical removal
• Treatment for Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is mainly through surgery. The prognosis of the tumor is excellent with appropriate treatment

Who gets Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is a rare tumor that may be seen in young, middle-aged and older women (between the age of 17-70 years)
• No ethnic or racial preference has been observed

What are the Risk Factors for Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

• No clearly established risk factors are noted for Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva

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 Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva formation is unknown
• Some researchers believe that these tumors originate from specialized anogenital glands (mammary type)
• Current research does not indicate that these tumors arise from ectopic breast tissue, even though they display features of mammary gland (breast) tissue

Vulvar phyllodes tumor does not develop due to a sexually-transmitted infection.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva?

The signs and symptoms of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva may include:

• In the initial growing phase these tumors are typically asymptomatic; very few tumors are known to grow slowly, while most tumors grow rapidly
• Presence of a solitary lesion on the vulvar skin; in some rare cases, multiple lesions are noted
• The size of the tumors may range from 1-7 cm; average size around 3 cm
• Most of the tumors are observed on the labium majus (prominent vulvar folds)
• The tumor may present as a polyp, or as a well-circumscribed fleshy mass (sometimes pedunculated mass)
• In almost all cases, they are firm and mobile
• Tumors may be painless, but some are known to present itching sensation. Some tumors may be very painful
• The skin over the tumor may be ruptured/broken and ulcerated
• Large tumors may cause pain during sex or pain in the pelvic/abdominal region

It is important to note that both benign and malignant phyllodes tumors are known to grow rapidly.

How is Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is made using the following tools:

• Preliminary examination composed of:
  • Complete physical examination including pelvic exam
  • Evaluation of medical (and family) history
• Initial diagnosis that is made by:
  • Transvaginal ultrasound of the uterus can provide an image of the vagina and surrounding pelvic organs
  • MRI scans can be used to observe if a vulvar tumor has the characteristics of cancer
  • CT scans are rarely used in diagnosing vulvar tumors
• Colposcopy:
  • The cervix (including the vagina and vulva) is examined with an instrument, called a colposcope. This helps the physician get a magnified view of the region
  • In order for this procedure to be performed, the individual has to lie on a table, as for a pelvic exam. An instrument, called the speculum, is placed in the vagina to keep the opening apart, in order to help the physician visualize the cervix. The colposcope is then used to get a magnified view of the inside
• A tissue biopsy of the tumor mass may be necessary to make a definitive diagnosis. In the tissue biopsy procedure, the physician removes a sample of the tissue and sends it to the laboratory for a histopathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope and arrives at a definitive diagnosis after a thorough evaluation of the clinical and microscopic findings, as well as by correlating the results of special studies on the tissues (if required)

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 Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva?

Complications of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva may include the following:

• Ulceration of large tumor masses may get secondarily infected with bacteria or fungus
• Sexual dysfunction can take place as a side effect of surgery
• Recurrence of the tumor following incomplete surgical removal is observed

How is Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva Treated?

The treatment of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva involves surgery, which is the most common treatment option considered.

• Pain medications, in case of tumors causing pain
• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not usually required
• Post-operative care is important: Minimum activity level is to be ensured until the surgical wound heals

Once treatment is complete, it is recommended that the individual schedule regular check-ups, based on the recommendation of the specialist treating them. 

How can Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva occurrence
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations, are mandatory for those who have been diagnosed with the tumor

What is the Prognosis of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is generally excellent on surgical excision and removal of the tumor. It is a benign tumor with very little risk of recurrence.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Benign Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumor Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/