Early vulvar carcinoma

Fifty-eight cases of early vulvar neoplasia were reviewed from the Tumor Registry at Magee-Womens Hospital, between 1947 and 1976. Twenty-three cases were carcinoma in situ; 16 were microinvasive, and 19 were occult carcinoma. All of the cases were treated surgically. The modality of surgical treatment varied from local excision to radical vulvectomy with inguinal lymph node dissection. Regardless of the surgical therapy, none of the patients died of the vulvar malignancy. It is recommended, as part of routine gynecologic surveillance, that more critical attention be given to examination for early epithelial neoplastic lesions of the vulva. This can be accomplished by simple inspection and the use of special diagnostic aids. Biopsy specimens should be reviewed histologically for depth of invasion and the treatment individualized to the patient with considerations for conservatism, especially in younger women.