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The Medical Clinics of North America Mar 2023Introduced in 2014, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) describes a variety of unpleasant genital, sexual and urinary symptoms that can either be isolated or... (Review)
Review
Introduced in 2014, genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) describes a variety of unpleasant genital, sexual and urinary symptoms that can either be isolated or coexisting and are not related to other medical conditions. GSM is a chronic and progressive condition that requires early recognition and appropriate management to preserve urogenital health. Despite the importance of early detection and treatment, the condition is consistently underdiagnosed and undertreated. Herein, we emphasize how to diagnose GSM in postmenopausal, hypoestrogenic, and hypoandrogenic women and summarize evidence-based treatments focusing on prescription treatments and adjunctive therapies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Vagina; Vulva; Atrophy; Menopause; Syndrome; Female Urogenital Diseases
PubMed: 36759102
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.10.017 -
Dermatologic Surgery : Official... Feb 2021Vulvar cancers, although rare, are becoming an increasingly serious threat to women's health. Cancer of the vulva accounted for 0.3% of all new cancers in the United...
BACKGROUND
Vulvar cancers, although rare, are becoming an increasingly serious threat to women's health. Cancer of the vulva accounted for 0.3% of all new cancers in the United States in 2019, with 6,070 newly diagnosed cases. This review details the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of vulvar malignancies.
OBJECTIVE
To review cancer entities of the vulva, including vulvar intraepithelial neoplasms, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and adenocarcinomas.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literature review using PubMed search for articles related to cancer of the vulva.
RESULTS
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasms represent premalignant precursors to SCC of the vulva. There are several different histopathologic subtypes of SCC, and treatment is dependent on characteristics of primary tumor and lymph node involvement. Melanoma is the second most common cancer to affect the vulva, and staging is based on tumor, node, and metastatic spread.
CONCLUSION
Vulvar malignancies are rare, and diagnosis is dependent on biopsy and pathologic evaluation. Treatment for vulvar malignancies depends on histopathologic diagnosis but ranges from wide local excision with or without lymph node biopsy or dissection to radiation therapy with chemo- or immunotherapy. Overall survival varies by diagnosis.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Biopsy; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Melanoma; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; Treatment Outcome; Vulva; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 32947298
DOI: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002584 -
Modern Pathology : An Official Journal... Oct 2022Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas and their precursors are currently classified by the World Health Organization based on their association with high-risk human... (Review)
Review
HPV-independent, p53-wild-type vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia: a review of nomenclature and the journey to characterize verruciform and acanthotic precursor lesions of the vulva.
Vulvar squamous cell carcinomas and their precursors are currently classified by the World Health Organization based on their association with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV independent lesions often harbor driver alterations in TP53, usually seen in the setting of chronic vulvar inflammation. However, a group of pre-invasive vulvar squamous lesions is independent from both HPV and mutant TP53. The lesions described within this category feature marked acanthosis, verruciform growth and altered squamous maturation, and over the last two decades several studies have added to their characterization. They have a documented association with verrucous carcinoma and conventional squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, suggesting a precursor role. They also harbor recurrent genomic alterations in several oncogenes, mainly PIK3CA and HRAS, indicating a neoplastic nature. In this review, we provide a historical perspective and a comprehensive description of these lesions. We also offer an appraisal of the terminology used over the years, going from Vulvar Acanthosis with Altered Differentiation and Verruciform Lichen Simplex Chronicus to Differentiated Exophytic Vulvar Intraepithelial Lesion and Vulvar Aberrant Maturation, the latter term having been recently proposed by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Diseases. In line with the recognition of these lesions by the 2020 World Health Organization Classification of Tumours as a neoplastic precursor, we herein propose the term HPV-independent, p53-wild-type verruciform acanthotic Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (HPVi(p53wt) vaVIN), which better conveys not only the pathology but also the neoplastic nature and the biologic risk inherent to these uncommon and challenging lesions. We outline strict morphologic and immunohistochemical criteria for its diagnosis and distinction from mimickers. Immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53 should be performed routinely in the diagnostic work-up of these lesions, and the morphologic alternative term vaVIN should be reserved for instances in which p16/HPV/p53 status is unknown. We also discuss management considerations and the need to further explore precursors within and beyond the spectrum of verruciform acanthotic vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.
Topics: Biological Products; Carcinoma in Situ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Class I Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Female; Humans; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Precancerous Conditions; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Vulva; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 35437330
DOI: 10.1038/s41379-022-01079-7 -
Climacteric : the Journal of the... Feb 2021Vaginal dryness is common during and after menopause due to declining estrogen. It is one of the symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), which is part of the... (Review)
Review
Vaginal dryness is common during and after menopause due to declining estrogen. It is one of the symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), which is part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. This can be distressing for women and cause pain, discomfort, and dyspareunia. Vaginal dryness affects over 50% of postmenopausal women but is under-reported and thus under-treated due to barriers to seeking help. Estrogen replacement can resolve symptoms, but may be contraindicated or not desired by all women. Over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can ease the symptoms of VVA. However, their chemical composition varies enormously and some are known to cause detrimental effects due to unphysiological pH, osmolality, and additives. The primary purpose of this review is to assess both their efficacy and safety. Women should be directed toward products that are as 'body-similar' as possible to vaginal secretions in terms of pH and osmolality. Products with potentially harmful ingredients should be avoided. Lubricants can be trialed for sexual activity and moisturizers for symptom control, even if topical or systemic menopause hormone therapy is being used.
Topics: Administration, Intravaginal; Atrophy; Dyspareunia; Female; Humans; Lubricants; Menopause; Vagina; Vulva
PubMed: 32990054
DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2020.1820478 -
Anatomical Science International Sep 2022What exactly is a vulva? The question remains unresolved. Some sources consider the clitoris, labia, mons pubis, perineum, or vagina to be components of the vulva, while... (Review)
Review
What exactly is a vulva? The question remains unresolved. Some sources consider the clitoris, labia, mons pubis, perineum, or vagina to be components of the vulva, while other sources do not. Indeed, disagreement exists among international anatomical and clinical societies with regard to what precise structures form the human vulva. The obfuscation regarding the anatomy of the vulva and, likewise, inconsistencies in vulva-related anatomical terminology have adversely affected communication, research, and healthcare. Therefore, this review was undertaken to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis regarding the past, present, and potential future of vulvar anatomy and vulva-related anatomical terminology. The review reveals that confusion regarding the specific gross anatomical structures that form the vulva has persisted for thousands of years. The review provides novel information regarding the etymology of vulva, contributes important historical context regarding vulva, and gives details regarding related anatomical terminology including clitoris, hymen, labia majora, labia minora, mons pubis, pudendum, pudendum femininum/muliebre, uterus, vagina, et cetera. The review highlights disagreement regarding what specific structures comprise a vulva, identifies sexual bias in anatomical terminology and among noteworthy anatomical resources, and offers novel perspectives regarding anatomical terminology-especially anatomical terminology that relates to the external genitalia. What specific anatomical structures comprise the vulva? This review provides a comprehensive and critical analysis regarding the past, present, and potential future of vulvar anatomy and vulva-related anatomical terminology.
Topics: Clitoris; Female; Humans; Pelvis; Vagina; Vulva
PubMed: 35704265
DOI: 10.1007/s12565-022-00674-7 -
BMJ Case Reports Feb 2020Genital tuberculosis (TB) in women is a chronic disease with low-grade symptoms. Genital tract tuberculosis is usually secondary to extragenital TB. The fallopian tubes...
Genital tuberculosis (TB) in women is a chronic disease with low-grade symptoms. Genital tract tuberculosis is usually secondary to extragenital TB. The fallopian tubes are most commonly affected, and along with endometrial involvement, it causes infertility in such patients. Involvement of the cervix and the vulva is very rare. We present one such rare case of vulvar tuberculosis presented with a large ulcer diagnosed on histopathology and treated with antitubercular chemotherapy.
Topics: Aged; Antitubercular Agents; Female; Humans; Tuberculosis, Female Genital; Vulva
PubMed: 32051158
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-232880 -
Journal of Women's Health (2002) Mar 2023
Topics: Humans; Female; Vulva; Body Image
PubMed: 36255478
DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0607 -
Annales de Dermatologie Et de... Dec 2021
Topics: Anus Diseases; Female; Humans; Vulva
PubMed: 34756608
DOI: 10.1016/j.annder.2021.08.001 -
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease Apr 2022Metastatic neoplasms to the vulva are rare and can pose a diagnostic dilemma. As identification of the primary site can influence patient treatment and prognosis,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Metastatic neoplasms to the vulva are rare and can pose a diagnostic dilemma. As identification of the primary site can influence patient treatment and prognosis, correct diagnosis is important.
METHODS
PubMed was searched for applicable publications using the terms vulva, vulvar neoplasms, metastasis, and vulvar metastasis.
RESULTS
Most neoplasms metastatic to the vulva originate from other genital sources; however, extragenital primary neoplasms can also metastasize to the vulva. Vulvar metastases often occur in the setting of widespread disease.
CONCLUSIONS
It is important to consider biopsy for appropriate histologic and immunohistochemical studies, as well as consider patient history to establish the primary site of metastatic lesions to the vulva, allowing optimal therapy.
Topics: Biopsy; Female; Humans; Prognosis; Vulva; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 35256567
DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000660 -
Urology Jul 2022Vulvar disease is common, and urologists are often the first providers to see patients with a vulvar skin condition. Primary vulvar dermatoses can be localized to the... (Review)
Review
Vulvar disease is common, and urologists are often the first providers to see patients with a vulvar skin condition. Primary vulvar dermatoses can be localized to the anogenital area or a manifestation of more diffuse cutaneous disease. Additionally, secondary dermatoses can develop from exogenous agents and inflammatory vaginitis. Vulvar conditions are challenging to diagnose due to location and different types of skin and mucosal epithelium involved. Herein, we provide an overview of noninfectious inflammatory vulvar dermatoses (Part I) and benign and malignant vulvar neoplasms (Part II), grouped by morphologic findings. We include diagnostic evaluation, workup, and management of these conditions.
Topics: Female; Humans; Skin; Skin Neoplasms; Vulva; Vulvar Diseases; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 35218865
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.02.007