open access

Vol 94, No 6 (2023)
Clinical vignette
Published online: 2022-12-29
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Vulvar sebaceous hyperplasia — a problematic dermatosis of the vulva

Konrad Gorski1, Lidia Korczynska1, Beata Spiewankiewicz2, Krystyna Swiderska2, Monika Baczkowska1, Artur Skowyra1, Michal Ciebiera1
·
Pubmed: 36597744
·
Ginekol Pol 2023;94(6):509-510.
Affiliations
  1. 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
  2. Bielanski Hospital, Inflancka Medical Center, Warsaw, Poland, Poland

open access

Vol 94, No 6 (2023)
CLINICAL VIGNETTES
Published online: 2022-12-29

Abstract

Sebaceous glandular hyperplasia (SGH) is a benign form of skin pathology, occurring in approximately one percent of the population. Risk factors for the SGH include advanced age, male sex, exposure to UV radiation and immunosuppression. The pathogenesis of SGH involves hormonal changes, is also regulated by insulin levels, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and cortisol. SGH manifests itself as solitary or multiple light-yellow lumps, 2–3 mm big, with a smooth surface and a central umbilical depression. The vulvar localization of lesions is extremely rare and presents with a polymorphous clinical picture, posing a major diagnostic problem. A 40-year-old patient presented to the clinic due to vulvar skin lesions, periodically with the swelling of the labia and itching, with the symptoms deteriorating for approximately two years. The patient has been consulted by several doctors; however, the diagnosis has not been established. She did not receive adequate treatment either. On physical examination, attention was drawn to the overgrown labia minora — especially on the right side — with a network of abnormal vessels and numerous small papular lesions. SGH was diagnosed, based on the samples collected from the vulva. The patient was recommended isotretinoin therapy and referred to a dermatologist for a consultation. The presented case of vulvar SGH is interesting and rare. It is a diagnostic challenge with no established treatment standards. Nonetheless, SGH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vulvar skin lesions. The comprehensive and interdisciplinary care is needed to help patients struggling with this insidious condition.

Abstract

Sebaceous glandular hyperplasia (SGH) is a benign form of skin pathology, occurring in approximately one percent of the population. Risk factors for the SGH include advanced age, male sex, exposure to UV radiation and immunosuppression. The pathogenesis of SGH involves hormonal changes, is also regulated by insulin levels, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and cortisol. SGH manifests itself as solitary or multiple light-yellow lumps, 2–3 mm big, with a smooth surface and a central umbilical depression. The vulvar localization of lesions is extremely rare and presents with a polymorphous clinical picture, posing a major diagnostic problem. A 40-year-old patient presented to the clinic due to vulvar skin lesions, periodically with the swelling of the labia and itching, with the symptoms deteriorating for approximately two years. The patient has been consulted by several doctors; however, the diagnosis has not been established. She did not receive adequate treatment either. On physical examination, attention was drawn to the overgrown labia minora — especially on the right side — with a network of abnormal vessels and numerous small papular lesions. SGH was diagnosed, based on the samples collected from the vulva. The patient was recommended isotretinoin therapy and referred to a dermatologist for a consultation. The presented case of vulvar SGH is interesting and rare. It is a diagnostic challenge with no established treatment standards. Nonetheless, SGH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vulvar skin lesions. The comprehensive and interdisciplinary care is needed to help patients struggling with this insidious condition.

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Keywords

sebaceous glands; sebaceous gland diseases; skin; skin diseases; vulvar diseases

About this article
Title

Vulvar sebaceous hyperplasia — a problematic dermatosis of the vulva

Journal

Ginekologia Polska

Issue

Vol 94, No 6 (2023)

Article type

Clinical vignette

Pages

509-510

Published online

2022-12-29

Page views

1536

Article views/downloads

1084

DOI

10.5603/GP.a2022.0154

Pubmed

36597744

Bibliographic record

Ginekol Pol 2023;94(6):509-510.

Keywords

sebaceous glands
sebaceous gland diseases
skin
skin diseases
vulvar diseases

Authors

Konrad Gorski
Lidia Korczynska
Beata Spiewankiewicz
Krystyna Swiderska
Monika Baczkowska
Artur Skowyra
Michal Ciebiera

References (5)
  1. Farci F, Rapini RP. Sebaceous hyperplasia. StatPearls [Internet]. 2022.
  2. Al-Daraji WI, Wagner B, Ali RBM, et al. Sebaceous hyperplasia of the vulva: a clinicopathological case report with a review of the literature. J Clin Pathol. 2007; 60(7): 835–837.
  3. Dieh APT, Jones AS. An unusual presentation of sebaceous gland hyperplasia of the vulva. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2005; 25(7): 729–730.
  4. Roma AA, Barry J, Pai RK, et al. Sebaceous hyperplasia of the vulva: a series of cases reporting no association with the Muir-Torre syndrome. Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2014; 33(4): 437–442.
  5. Hussein L, Perrett CM. Treatment of sebaceous gland hyperplasia: a review of the literature. J Dermatolog Treat. 2021; 32(8): 866–877.

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