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

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

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

• Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is a rare tumor that arises in the vulva (area around the external vaginal opening). It is usually benign, but can occasionally behave in a malignant fashion. The tumor shows histologic features similar to borderline phyllodes tumor of breast
• In general, phyllodes tumor may be classified as benign, malignant, or borderline tumor based on their behavior. Rarely, some tumors show both indolent (non-cancerous) and aggressive (cancerous) features and are classified as borderline phyllodes tumors
• 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 Borderline 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 Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is mainly through surgery, since some are known to be cancerous. The prognosis of the tumor is excellent with appropriate treatment; but due to an increased risk for malignancy, periodic/regular checkups are advised

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

• Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

• No clearly established risk factors are noted for Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva?

The signs and symptoms of Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva?

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

• Stress and anxiety due to fear of vulvar cancer
• Ulceration of large tumor masses may get secondarily infected with bacteria or fungus
• A majority of the phyllodes tumors are benign; though in some cases, they may be malignant and can spread to other body sites (such as to the lymph nodes)
• Sexual dysfunction can take place as a side effect of surgery
• Side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, if they are employed
• Recurrence of the tumor following incomplete surgical removal is observed

How is Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva Treated?

The treatment of Borderline 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 cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence
• If malignancy with spread of cancer is noted, then apart from surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be necessary
• 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Borderline 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 Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Borderline Phyllodes Tumor of Vulva is generally excellent on surgical excision and removal of the tumor, since in many cases it behaves in a benign manner
• Borderline Vulvar Phyllodes Tumor is infrequently associated with malignancy. In such cases, the prognosis of the tumor depends on the stage of the tumor, age of the individual, and treatment response, apart from other parameters

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Borderline 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/