Vulvar lipomas in children: an analysis of 7 cases

Abstract

PURPOSE: Vulvar lipomas are a type of rare benign soft tissue tumor. This study describes 7 cases of vulvar lipomas in children, and it evaluates the clinical characteristics of this disease.

METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of pediatric patients at our institution who were diagnosed with vulvar lipomas between January 1998 and December 2007.

RESULTS: Seven girls who were between the ages of 7 and 11 years were included in the study. In 6 cases, the lipomas were located on the right side of the vulva. In 4 of those 6 cases, the lipomas were found on the right anterolateral side. Five cases had gross swelling of the vulva with a poorly demarcated mass, but 2 cases had a well-demarcated or pedunculated mass. The initial tentative diagnoses made before imaging studies were right inguinal hernia in 4 cases and Bartholin's cyst in 2 cases. Preoperative imaging studies of ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging showed lipomatous characteristics of these tumors. All cases underwent surgical excision. Subsequent histopathologic examination demonstrated lipomas in each case.

CONCLUSIONS: Vulvar lipomas in children tend to occur on the right side, especially the right anterolateral side. It is necessary to differentiate this tumor from an inguinal hernia. Radiologic studies such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are useful for making the proper diagnosis. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.