BASAL-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE VULVA - CLINICAL-FEATURES AND TREATMENT RESULTS IN 28 PATIENTS

Objective: To review our experience and that in the recent literature regarding basal cell carcinoma of the vulva to see whether current man agement guidelines are appropriate. Methods: Twenty-eight women with b asal cell carcinoma of the vulva were seen over 25 years at the BC Can cer Agency. The clinical-pathologic features were tabulated and the ou tcome was analyzed. Results: The mean age was 74 years, and almost two -thirds were over the age of 70 at diagnosis. Patients typically prese nted with an irritation or soreness, with a symptom duration ranging f rom a few months to several years. Most lesions were confined to the a nterior half of the vulva, and 23 of the 28 patients had T1 lesions. W ide local excision was the treatment method used most commonly. Only o ne patient was known to have died from disease metastasis. Ten women h ad other basal cell carcinomas, either before or after the diagnosis o f their vulvar lesions, and in ten patients 11 other malignancies were diagnosed. Conclusion: Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva is an extrem ely uncommon tumor that rarely metastasizes or spreads. Primary treatm ent should consist of wide local excision and continued follow-up. (C) 1997 by The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.