A Review of the Recent Literature on Diseases of the Vulva—part Ii.

Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva

“…Authors have often omitted the lesion from classification of vulvar malignancy; yet, it occurs with enough frequency to warrant greater attention (1,21). It is estimated by various gynecologic texts and articles that squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva will represent 95% of vulvar malignancy, malignant melanomas 2%-3% and basal cell carcinoma about the same (6,10,11,13,16). However, as noted in our present series of 61 cases of vulvar malignancy, epidermoid carcinoma accounted for only 84%, malignant melanomas for 3%, and basal cell carcinoma unexpectedly accounted for approximately 13%.…”

“…The advanced age of patients, averaging between 58 and 73 years (dependent on the series quoted) (2,12,16), contributes heavily to delay in seeking care, perhaps either because of patient hesitancy in obtaining medical attention or physician delay in initiating therapy (12,20). Symptoms are often found to have been present for years.…”

“…Basal cell carcinoma, while representing approximately 65% of all cutaneous malignancies (19), is rarely found on the vulva where, to date, it has accounted for less than 3% of all vulvar neoplasms (12,15,16). Additionally, vulvar carcinoma of all types is found in only 2%-5% of primary female genital tract malignancies (5,7,14).…”