Multiple pigmented follicular cysts of the vulva successfully treated with CO2 laser:: Case report and literature review

BACKGROUND. A pigmented follicular cyst is an uncommon epithelial cyst, typically occurring as a single asymptomatic pigmented papule or nodule on the head and neck of adult men. To the authors' knowledge, no previous cases of vulvar pigmented follicular cyst have been reported. Although benign, pigmented follicular cyst can affect quality of life when multiple and symptomatic. OBJECTIVE. The objective was to describe the clinicopathologic features of vulvar pigmented follicular cyst and to evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser therapy in this region. METHODS. A 62-year-old woman with multiple pigmented follicular cysts affecting the labia majora bilaterally is described. Owing to frequent inflammation and tenderness, continuous-wave CO2 laser was used to treat the skin lesions under local anesthesia. RESULTS. All cystic nodules were successfully ablated with CO2 laser. The patient tolerated the procedure well and had a satisfactory cosmetic outcome. CONCLUSION. CO2 laser is a tolerable and effective therapeutic modality for multiple and symptomatic pigmented follicular cysts of the vulva.