Diagnosis and management of vulvar cancer: A review

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Vol. 81; no. 6; pp. 1387 - 1396
• Main Authors: Tan, Andrea, Bieber, Amy K., Stein, Jennifer A., Pomeranz, Miriam K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.12.2019
• Subjects: basal cell carcinoma; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - therapy; Female; Humans; melanoma; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - therapy; Paget disease; Paget Disease, Extramammary - diagnosis; Paget Disease, Extramammary - therapy; squamous cell carcinoma; vulva; vulvar cancer; Vulvar Neoplasms - diagnosis; Vulvar Neoplasms - therapy; BCC; Paget disease; vulvar cancer; melanoma; LSIL; vSCC; vulva; HPV; HSIL; SCC; basal cell carcinoma; dVIN; VIN; EMPD; squamous cell carcinoma
• ISSN: 0190-9622; 1097-6787
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.07.055

Vulvar malignancies represent a serious gynecologic health concern, especially given the increasing incidence over the past several decades. Squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma are common subtypes, although other neoplasms, such as basal cell carcinoma and Paget disease of the vulva, might be seen. Many vulvar cancers are initially misdiagnosed as inflammatory conditions, delaying diagnosis and worsening prognosis. It is essential that dermatologists are familiar with characteristic findings for each malignancy to ensure appropriate diagnosis and management. Herein, we review the unique epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of each major vulvar malignancy, as well as discuss their respective prognoses and current management recommendations.