Hidradenitis suppurativa is a chronic suppurative inflammatory disease
of the apocrine sweat glands. It is more common in women and involves
the genital region in half of all affected patients. An advanced case
of hidradenitis suppurativa with bilateral vulvar masses is presented
. Possible etiologies of the disease are discussed, as well as strateg
ies for definitive therapy. Because the disease frequently affects the
female external genitalia and therapy can require extensive surgical
resection and reconstruction, the services of a gynecologic oncologist
may be required. Adequate therapy based on an understanding of the pa
thophysiology of the disease can yield significant relief of symptoms.
(C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.