A case of monophasic synovial sarcoma presenting as a vulvar mass

Background. Synovial sarcoma is the fourth most commonly occurring sarcoma, accounting for 8-10% of all sarcomas. They arise from unknown pleuripotent stein cells that are capable of differentiating into mesenchymal and/or epithelial structures. Synovial sarcoma is characterized by specific chromosomal translocation t (X; 18)(p 11; q 11). Case. We report the first case of monophasic synovial sarcoma arising in soft tissues Of the Vulva in a 33-year-old female. Complete excision of the mass was possible with tumor-free margins. Conclusion. Only four previous cases of biphasic synovial sarcoma arising in the vulva have been reported. The finding of the SYT-SSX2 translocation is generally associated with a better prognosis, besides tumor negative margins after excision offer the possibility of a better outlook for this patient. (c) 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.