Pigmented lesions of the vulva

Dermatol Clin. 2010 Oct;28(4):795-805. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2010.08.007.

Abstract

Approximately one of every 10 women has a pigmented vulvar lesion. Given the risk of melanomas and pigmented vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (squamous cell carcinoma in situ), proper evaluation of vulvar pigmented lesions is critical. Most vulvar lesions are benign; however, vulvar lesions grossly, dermoscopically, and histologically can appear atypical compared with pigmented lesions on the rest of the body. Thus, it is imperative to use not only a keen eye but also a low threshold for biopsy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acanthosis Nigricans
  • Carcinoma in Situ / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma in Situ / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Condylomata Acuminata / diagnosis
  • Condylomata Acuminata / pathology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Keratosis, Seborrheic
  • Melanoma / diagnosis
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanosis
  • Nevus, Pigmented / diagnosis
  • Nevus, Pigmented / pathology*
  • Pigmentation Disorders
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vulva / pathology*
  • Vulvar Diseases / diagnosis
  • Vulvar Diseases / pathology*
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Vulvar Neoplasms / pathology*