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Diagnosis (Berlin, Germany) May 2024The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the clinical applicability of the latest International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and...
OBJECTIVES
The aims of this retrospective study were to evaluate the clinical applicability of the latest International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) and International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) terminology for vulvar diseases, and to explore a new evaluation flow to optimize decision-making on diagnosis.
METHODS
A total of 1,068 patients with 5,340 qualified vulvar images were evaluated by observers using 2011 ISSVD and 2011 IFCPC terminology systems. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, Youden Index and Overall Diagnostic Value (ODV) were calculated for each finding in the two systems. Then the disease diagnosis order and a diagnosis flow draft (DFD) were obtained.
RESULTS
A total of 15 kinds of vulvar diseases were diagnosed. The proportion of patients accompanied with cervical or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia was highest (83.3 %) in vulvar Paget's disease group (p<0.001). Total area of lesions was larger in vulvar Paget's disease, lichen simplex chronicus and lichen sclerosus group (p<0.001). Among the top five findings of ODV, some findings inferred several (≥6) kinds of diseases, while some findings only exist in a certain disease. When the DFD was used, the agreement between the initial impression and histopathology diagnosis was 68.8 %, higher than those when ISSVD an IFCPC terminology systems used (p=0.028), and it didn't change with the experience of the observer (p=0.178).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the findings in ISSVD and IFCPC terminology systems, we explored a DFD for observers with different experience on the detection of vulvar disease.
Topics: Humans; Female; Retrospective Studies; Vulvar Diseases; Sensitivity and Specificity; Vulva; Middle Aged; Adult; Terminology as Topic; Vulvar Neoplasms; Predictive Value of Tests; Aged
PubMed: 38143236
DOI: 10.1515/dx-2023-0146 -
Clinical Case Reports Sep 2023Angiomyofibroblastoma is a benign soft tissue tumor and a form of genital stromal mesenchymal tumor that primarily affects the vulva. It could possibly affect the...
KEY CLINICAL MESSAGE
Angiomyofibroblastoma is a benign soft tissue tumor and a form of genital stromal mesenchymal tumor that primarily affects the vulva. It could possibly affect the reproductive-aged women's lower genital tract (vagina).
ABSTRACT
Angiomyofibroblastoma is a rare benign soft tissue tumor primarily affecting the vulva in reproductive-aged women. We report a 67-year-old female complaining of a painless mass in her right vulva spreading to the right inguinal region over the past 2 years. The first clinical impression was a canal of Nuck hernia, diagnostic laparoscopy was planned to rule hernia out. The vulvar mass was excised, and a histopathology examination revealed Angiomyofibroblastoma.
PubMed: 37767149
DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7971 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Jan 2024Approximately 25%-43% of all vulvar carcinomas are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). In many countries, vulvar carcinoma incidence rates are increasing,...
INTRODUCTION
Approximately 25%-43% of all vulvar carcinomas are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). In many countries, vulvar carcinoma incidence rates are increasing, possibly due to greater HPV exposure. However, studies exploring changes in HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in vulvar carcinoma over time are scarce. Our aim was to evaluate time trends in HPV prevalence and genotype distribution in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma in an unselected, nationwide sample of Norwegian women. Further, we explored clinical and histopathological aspects in relation to HPV status and investigated whether HPV status was associated with survival.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
All vulvar squamous cell carcinoma cases from 1970-1975 and 2000-2005 were extracted from the Cancer Registry of Norway and corresponding tissue blocks were retrieved. After detailed histology review, HPV testing was conducted using real-time TaqMan PCR. Overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to estimate hazard ratios adjusted for age at diagnosis, stage and diagnostic period.
RESULTS
Histological review was performed on 352 vulvar squamous cell carcinoma cases. We were able to obtain valid HPV analysis results for 282 cases, Overall, 29.8% (95% CI 24.5%-35.5%) of cases were high-risk HPV (hrHPV)-positive. When comparing the two periods, we found that the percentage of hrHPV-positive tumors increased significantly from 23% (95% CI 16.0%-31.4%) in 1970-1975 to 35.3% (95% CI 27.8%-43.3%) in 2000-2005 (P = 0.025). The predominant genotypes were HPV 16 (73%), HPV 33 (21%), and HPV 18 (6%), with similar distributions in both periods. In the more recent cohort, several additional genotypes were detected: HPV 6, 11, 39, 45, 52, 58 and 66 were found in smaller percentages, ranging from 1.8% to 3.6%. In univariate analysis, patients with HPV-positive tumors showed improved overall survival compared with patients with HPV-negative tumors (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.48-0.86).
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of HPV in vulvar squamous cell carcinomas in Norway was significantly higher in 2000-2005 than in 1970-1975. The three predominant genotypes were HPV 16, 33 and 18 in both time periods. However, several other HPV genotypes have emerged over the last decades. HPV-positivity was associated with better overall survival.
Topics: Humans; Female; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Papillomavirus Infections; Prevalence; Papillomaviridae; Norway; Vulvar Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Genotype
PubMed: 37904590
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14702 -
Cureus Feb 2024Vulval fibroadenoma is an uncommon, benign tumor that originates from ectopic breast tissue or mammary-like glands in the anogenital region. Only a limited number of...
Vulval fibroadenoma is an uncommon, benign tumor that originates from ectopic breast tissue or mammary-like glands in the anogenital region. Only a limited number of cases have been documented in medical literature. Typically occurring in young and middle-aged women, this condition, when surgically removed, generally exhibits a favorable prognosis with a low recurrence rate. We report a case of vulvar fibroadenoma wherein the patient exhibited a groin region mass. The mass was then excised and examined histologically. Histological examination of the polypoidal tissue section unveiled a clearly defined lesion comprising both epithelial and stromal components.
PubMed: 38465085
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53834 -
JAAD Case Reports Aug 2023
PubMed: 37600735
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2023.05.037 -
Clinical & Translational Oncology :... Jan 2024To examine the relation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family peptides with inflammatory processes and oncogenesis, emphasizing in vulvar inflammatory,...
OBJECTIVES
To examine the relation of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) family peptides with inflammatory processes and oncogenesis, emphasizing in vulvar inflammatory, premalignant and malignant lesions, as well as to investigate the possibility of lesion cells immunoescaping, utilizing FAS/FAS-L complex.
METHODS
Immunohistochemical expression of CRH, urocortin (UCN), FasL and their receptors CRHR1, CRHR2 and Fas was studied in vulvar tissue sections obtained from patients with histologically confirmed diagnosis of lichen, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). The patient cohort was selected from a tertiary teaching Hospital in Greece, between 2005 and 2015. For each of the disease categories, immunohistochemical staining was evaluated and the results were statistically compared.
RESULTS
A progressive increase of the cytoplasmic immunohistochemical expression of CRH and UCN, from precancerous lesions to VSCC was observed. A similar increase was detected for Fas and FasL expression. Nuclear localization of UCN was demonstrated in both premalignant and VSCC lesions, with staining being significantly intensified in carcinomas, particularly in the less differentiated tumor areas or in the areas at invasive tumor front.
CONCLUSIONS
Stress response system and CRH family peptides seem to have a role in inflammation maintenance and progression of vulvar premalignant lesions to malignancy. It seems that stress peptides may locally modulate the stroma through Fas/FasL upregulation, possibly contributing to vulvar cancer development.
Topics: Female; Humans; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone; Precancerous Conditions; Vulvar Neoplasms; Up-Regulation; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Urocortins
PubMed: 37382757
DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03249-8 -
Cancer Research Communications Mar 2024The incidence rates of vulvar squamous cell cancer (VSCC) have increased over the past decades, requiring personalized oncologic approaches. Currently, lymph node...
UNLABELLED
The incidence rates of vulvar squamous cell cancer (VSCC) have increased over the past decades, requiring personalized oncologic approaches. Currently, lymph node involvement is a key factor in determining prognosis and treatment options. However, there is a need for additional immune-related biomarkers to provide more precise treatment and prognostic information. Here, we used IHC and expression data to characterize immune cells and their spatial distribution in VSCC. Hierarchical clustering analysis identified distinct immune subtypes, of which the macrophage-rich subtype was associated with adverse outcome. This is consistent with our findings of increased lymphogenesis, lymphatic invasion, and lymph node involvement associated with high macrophage infiltration. Further in vitro studies showed that VSCC-associated macrophages expressed VEGF-A and subsequently induced VEGF-A in the VSCC cell line A-431, providing experimental support for a pro-lymphangiogenic role of macrophages in VSCC. Taken together, immune profiling in VSCC revealed tumor processes, identified a subset of patients with adverse outcome, and provided a valuable biomarker for risk stratification and therapeutic decision making for anti-VEGF treatment, ultimately contributing to the advancement of precision medicine in VSCC.
SIGNIFICANCE
Immunoprofiling in VSCC reveals subtypes with distinct clinical and biological behavior. Of these, the macrophage-rich VSCC subtype is characterized by poor clinical outcome and increased VEGF-A expression, providing a biomarker for risk stratification and therapeutic sensitivity.
Topics: Female; Humans; Biomarkers, Tumor; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; Vulvar Neoplasms; Prognosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Epithelial Cells
PubMed: 38407373
DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.CRC-22-0366 -
Asian Journal of Surgery May 2024
Topics: Humans; Female; Neoplasms, Muscle Tissue; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 38350781
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2024.01.182 -
Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical... Sep 2023Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare malignancy of the female genital tract with increasing incidence rates. Etiologically, HPV-dependent and HPV-independent...
PURPOSE
Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is a rare malignancy of the female genital tract with increasing incidence rates. Etiologically, HPV-dependent and HPV-independent VSCC are distinguished. Surgical treatment and/or radiotherapy represent the therapeutic mainstay for localized disease. For recurrent or metastatic VSCC, treatment options are limited. Research has identified trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2) to be broadly expressed across different tumor entities. The aim of the present study was to systematically investigate the expression of TROP-2 in VSCC.
METHODS
TROP-2 protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in a cohort comprising n = 103 patients with primary VSCC. A four-tier scoring system (0: no staining, 1 + : low staining, 2 + : moderate staining, 3 + : high staining) was applied for quantification of protein expression. For further analyses, two groups (low TROP-2 expression: 0/1 + ; high TROP-2 expression: 2 + /3 +) were generated. The entire study cohort, as well as HPV-dependent and HPV-independent VSCC were considered separately.
RESULTS
In the entire VSCC study cohort, TROP-2 expression was present in 97.1% of all cases (n = 100) with 74.8% displaying high TROP-2 expression (2 + /3 +). Only 2.9% of tumors showed absent TROP-2 expression. Of note, all HPV-dependent VSCC (n = 18) demonstrated high TROP-2 expression (2 + /3 +). In the subgroup of HPV-independent VSCC (n = 70), high TROP-2 expression was associated with favorable clinical outcomes based on log rank test and univariate cox analysis.
CONCLUSION
TROP-2 protein expression is of prognostic value in HPV-independent VSCC. The broad expression of TROP-2 in VSCC indicates the TROP-2 directed ADC Sacituzumab govitecan as a potential new therapeutic strategy for VSCC patients.
Topics: Humans; Female; Papillomavirus Infections; Prognosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 37067548
DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04761-8 -
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica... Mar 2024Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological cancer affecting mostly older women. The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the incidence and net survival of...
INTRODUCTION
Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological cancer affecting mostly older women. The aim of this population-based study was to investigate the incidence and net survival of vulvar cancer in Swedish women from 1960 to 2019.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Data were retrieved from the mandatory Swedish Cancer Registry consisting of all women diagnosed with vulvar cancer between 1960 and 2019. Only women with a morphologically verified diagnosis of vulvar cancer were included. The individuals were then further matched with the Swedish Death Registry up until May 31, 2020.
RESULTS
In total, 8499 women were included with the following morphologies: squamous cell carcinoma 7250 (85.8%), malignant melanoma 539 (6.4%), adenocarcinoma 401 (4.8%) and other: 259 (3.1%). More than 50% of vulvar cancer cases occurred in women aged between 65 and 84 years of age. The 5-year age-standardized net survival increased from 53.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48.9-57.5) in 1960 to 72.1% (95% CI 68.8-75.5) in 2019. The proportion of adenocarcinoma among all cases increased from 2.0% to 8.7% between the 1960s and 2010s and an increase in age-standardized 5-year net survival was found for adenocarcinoma.
CONCLUSIONS
The age-standardized incidence of vulvar cancer cases in Sweden was stable between 1960 and 2019. During the study period, an increase in adenocarcinoma and a decrease in malignant melanoma cases was found. Five-year net survival increased by 20 percent units during the study period. For squamous cell carcinoma, an increased age-specific 5-year net survival was observed for all age groups, apart for women aged ≥85.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Vulvar Neoplasms; Incidence; Melanoma; Sweden; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Skin Neoplasms; Adenocarcinoma
PubMed: 38071449
DOI: 10.1111/aogs.14747