Case report: Epidermoid inclusion cyst of the clitoris as a long-term complication of female genital mutilation

Abstract

Background: Female genital mutilation is a common procedure in sub-Saharan Africa that causes serious short- and long-term complications. Although physicians can overcome these complications sometimes, they can be very confusing to diagnose. In this report, we discuss the surgical management of a patient with an epidermal inclusion cyst of the clitoris as a long-term complication of type III female genital mutilation. Case presentation: A healthy 43-year-old African woman who was a nonsmoker and nonalcoholic presented with a large genital mass causing difficulty in urination and sexual discomfort. The patient had three full-term spontaneous vaginal deliveries without any complications. Perineal examination revealed a 6 × 10-cm, well-circumscribed, mobile, nontender, rounded cystic swelling in the right periclitoral area that was obstructing the urinary meatus and vaginal introitus. A surgical procedure was performed for total excision of the clitoral mass. Pathological findings showed an epidermoid inclusion cyst. Conclusions: Besides increasing clinicians' awareness of female genital mutilation and its long-term complications, public education campaigns should be designed to eradicate this practice.