Tubulosquamous polyps; Benign polyp made up of squamous epithelium and glandular tubules

Tubulosquamous polyps are rare, benign vaginal lesions composed of squamous epithelium and tubular glandular elements within a fibrous stroma. They are thought to originate from misplaced periurethral Skene glands and are usually treated with simple local excision.

🧬 Definition & Origin
Histology: Mixture of squamous epithelium and small tubular structures embedded in a collagenous (fibrous) stroma.

Origin theory: Believed to arise from misplaced periurethral Skene glands (female paraurethral glands).

Nature: Benign, non-cancerous lesion.

📍 Epidemiology & Sites
Rarity: Very uncommon, only a small number of cases reported.

Age range: Typically seen in women aged 39–78 years, often postmenopausal.

Location: Most commonly found in the upper vagina, but can occur anywhere in the vaginal wall.

🔎 Clinical Features
Presentation:

Often discovered incidentally during pelvic exams.

May present as a polyp or cyst.

Some cases associated with postmenopausal bleeding.

Size: Usually small, up to 3 cm in diameter.

Macroscopy: Solid cut surface, polypoid appearance.

🧪 Microscopic Characteristics
Squamous component: Glycogenated, eosinophilic or clear cells; nests may contain keratinous debris.

Tubular component: Small tubules lined by cuboidal cells, sometimes forming micropapillary projections.

Stroma: Hypocellular fibrous tissue.

Surface: Covered by squamous epithelium, occasionally keratinized.

💊 Management & Outcome
Treatment: Simple local excision is curative.

Prognosis: Excellent; lesions are benign with no known malignant potential.

Follow-up: Usually not required beyond routine gynecological care.

⚠️ Key Considerations
Differential diagnosis: Must be distinguished from other vaginal polyps, cysts, or rare neoplasms.

Clinical importance: While benign, recognition is important to avoid misdiagnosis as malignant lesions.

#Polyps