Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva: 21 cases

Introduction. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for 2 to 3 p. too of all vulvar malignancies. Patients and methods. We report a retrospective study of 21 cases treated f rom 1937 to 1999. Results. Vulvar BCC's occurred in elderly patients (average age: 66 years), with mean delay to diagnosis of 5.5 years, Five patients were referred for recurrence. Lesions were located on the external hairy side of the labius majus, except one located on the internal side. In 4 cases a preexisting ri sk factor was identified: 2 patients had previously received radiation ther apy and 2 other patients had multiple disseminated BCC. Mean BCC diameter w as 2 cm. Pathological data were similar to skin BCC, with one case of mixed tumor (BCC and squamous cell carcinoma). The treatment was surgical excisi on for 19 BCCs. Local recurrence risk was high. Only one patient died of vi sceral dissemination of the disease. Discussion, More than 250 cases of vulvar BCC have been reported in the lit erature. Clinical, pathological and follow up data are similar to results i n the present series. Treatment of choice consists of surgical excision wit h rumor-free margins. Because of local recurrence risk and possible associa tion with other primary cancers in this age group, long term follow-up is n ecessary.