Published online Apr 10, 2015. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v6.i2.16
Peer-review started: December 26, 2014
First decision: January 8, 2015
Revised: January 29, 2015
Accepted: February 10, 2015
Article in press: February 12, 2015
Published online: April 10, 2015
Processing time: 105 Days and 1.2 Hours
Ectopic breast tissue is rare and typically presents as an axillary mass. Previous reports have identified ectopic breast tissue in the vulva, but malignancy is exceedingly uncommon. We present a 62 years old with locally advanced breast carcinoma arising in the vulva demonstrates the utilization of sentinel lymph node mapping to identify metastatic lymph nodes previously unable to be identified via traditional surgical exploration. Our case supports the principles of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer to be applied to ectopic breast cancer arising in the vulva. A literature review highlights common key points in similar cases to guide management.
Core tip: Our findings describe the presentation of ectopic breast cancer in the vulva. We demonstrate use of sentinel lymph node technology with identification of the sentinel node, only possible after the use of this technology. We conclude with a review of the literature outlining treatment of this enigmatic disease.