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International Journal of Radiation... Jul 2016The purpose of this study was to develop a radiation therapy (RT) contouring atlas and recommendations for women with postoperative and locally advanced vulvar carcinoma.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to develop a radiation therapy (RT) contouring atlas and recommendations for women with postoperative and locally advanced vulvar carcinoma.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
An international committee of 35 expert gynecologic radiation oncologists completed a survey of the treatment of vulvar carcinoma. An initial set of recommendations for contouring was discussed and generated by consensus. Two cases, 1 locally advanced and 1 postoperative, were contoured by 14 physicians. Contours were compared and analyzed using an expectation-maximization algorithm for simultaneous truth and performance level estimation (STAPLE), and a 95% confidence interval contour was developed. The level of agreement among contours was assessed using a kappa statistic. STAPLE contours underwent full committee editing to generate the final atlas consensus contours.
RESULTS
Analysis of the 14 contours showed substantial agreement, with kappa statistics of 0.69 and 0.64 for cases 1 and 2, respectively. There was high specificity for both cases (≥99%) and only moderate sensitivity of 71.3% and 64.9% for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Expert review and discussion generated consensus recommendations for contouring target volumes and treatment for postoperative and locally advanced vulvar cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
These consensus recommendations for contouring and treatment of vulvar cancer identified areas of complexity and controversy. Given the lack of clinical research evidence in vulvar cancer radiation therapy, the committee advocates a conservative and consistent approach using standardized recommendations.
Topics: Aged; Consensus; Female; Humans; Lymph Nodes; Patient Positioning; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted; Tumor Burden; Vagina; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 27130794
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.02.043 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Oct 2021Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecological malignancy primarily affecting postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening and the most effective strategy to reduce...
Vulvar cancer is an uncommon gynecological malignancy primarily affecting postmenopausal women. There is no specific screening and the most effective strategy to reduce vulvar cancer incidence is the opportune treatment of predisposing and preneoplastic lesions associated with its development. While vulvar cancer may be asymptomatic, most women present with vulvar pruritus or pain, or have noticed a lump or ulcer. Therefore, any suspicious vulvar lesion should be biopsied to exclude invasion. Once established, the most common subtype is squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment of vulvar cancer depends primarily on histology and surgical staging. Treatment is predominantly surgical, particularly for squamous cell carcinoma, although concurrent chemoradiation is an effective alternative, particularly for advanced tumors. Management should be individualized and carried out by a multidisciplinary team in a cancer center experienced in the treatment of these tumors.
Topics: Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Chemoradiotherapy; Female; Humans; Neoplasm Staging; Vulva; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 34669204
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.13881 -
Radiology and Oncology Sep 2020Background Vulvar cancer accounts for 3-5% of malignant diseases of the female genital tract. The Slovenian incidence rate is 5.5/100,000, which means 57 new cases per... (Review)
Review
Background Vulvar cancer accounts for 3-5% of malignant diseases of the female genital tract. The Slovenian incidence rate is 5.5/100,000, which means 57 new cases per year. The most common histological type (90%) is squamous cell carcinoma. Based on etiology, it can be classified into the first type which correlates with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the second type which is not associated with HPV. The most common and long-lasting symptom of vulvar cancer is pruritus. The preferred diagnostic procedure to confirm the diagnosis is a punch or incision biopsy. Surgery in combination with radiotherapy is the standard treatment for vulvar cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy with lymphoscintigraphy is now a standard part of surgical treatment. Chemotherapy is a palliative treatment option. Conclusions Vulvar cancer is a rare disease. Because of the pathogenesis, surgery and radiotherapy are the main treatment modalities. The sentinel node biopsy (SNB) represents a contemporary approach to the vulvar cancer treatment and significantly reduces morbidity. Improvements in treatment of vulvar cancer contributed to the decrease of mortality among Slovenian women.
Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Female; Humans; Incidence; Lymphoscintigraphy; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 32960779
DOI: 10.2478/raon-2020-0053 -
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology Sep 2021Ten percent of all women have pigmented vulvar lesions. Fortunately, most of these are benign but 1% of all melanomas in women affect the vulva. While the mortality rate... (Review)
Review
Ten percent of all women have pigmented vulvar lesions. Fortunately, most of these are benign but 1% of all melanomas in women affect the vulva. While the mortality rate of cutaneous melanoma has dropped by 7% annually during the last 5 years, the prognosis of vulvar melanoma remains dismal: the 5-year overall survival rate is 47% compared with 92% for cutaneous melanoma. The current evidence suggests that this likely results from a combination of delayed diagnosis and different tumor biology, treatment strategies, and treatment response. Although many landmark trials on checkpoint inhibitors included mucosal and vulvar melanomas, the results were often not reported separately. Post-hoc analyses indicate overall response rates between 19 and 37% for checkpoint inhibitors. A recently published retrospective study on vulvar melanomas suggests an objective response in 33.3% with a similar safety profile to cutaneous melanoma. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be considered in recurrent disease if a c-KIT mutation is present.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Melanoma; Skin Neoplasms; Vulva; Vulvar Neoplasms; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 34125416
DOI: 10.1007/s40257-021-00614-7 -
International Journal of Gynecological... Jul 2023As part of its mission to improve the quality of care for women with gynecological cancers across Europe, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) first...
BACKGROUND
As part of its mission to improve the quality of care for women with gynecological cancers across Europe, the European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) first published in 2017 evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with vulvar cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To update the ESGO guidelines based on the new evidence addressing the management of vulvar cancer and to cover new topics in order to provide comprehensive guidelines on all relevant issues of diagnosis and treatment of vulvar cancer.
METHODS
The ESGO Council nominated an international development group comprised of practicing clinicians who provide care to vulvar cancer patients and have demonstrated leadership through their expertize in clinical care and research, national and international engagement and profile as well as dedication to the topics addressed to serve on the expert panel (18 experts across Europe). To ensure that the statements were evidence-based, new data identified from a systematic search were reviewed and critically appraised. In the absence of any clear scientific evidence, judgment was based on the professional experience and consensus of the international development group. Prior to publication, the guidelines were reviewed by 206 international practitioners in cancer care delivery and patient representatives.
RESULTS
The updated guidelines cover comprehensively diagnosis and referral, staging, pathology, pre-operative investigations, surgical management (local treatment, groin treatment, sentinel lymph node procedure, reconstructive surgery), (chemo)radiotherapy, systemic treatment, treatment of recurrent disease (vulvar, inguinal, pelvic, and distant recurrences), and follow-up. Management algorithms are also defined.
Topics: Female; Humans; Europe; Gynecology; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 37369376
DOI: 10.1136/ijgc-2023-004486 -
Modern Pathology : An Official Journal... Aug 2020The recent literature has shown that vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) can be stratified into two prognostically relevant groups based on human papillomavirus (HPV)...
The recent literature has shown that vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) can be stratified into two prognostically relevant groups based on human papillomavirus (HPV) status. The prognostic value of p53 for further sub-stratification, particularly in the HPV-independent group, has not been agreed upon. This disagreement is likely due to tremendous variations in p53 immunohistochemical (IHC) interpretation. To address this problem, we sought to compare p53 IHC patterns with TP53 mutation status. We studied 61 VSCC (48 conventional VSCC, 2 VSCC with sarcomatoid features, and 11 verrucous carcinomas) and 42 in situ lesions (30 differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia [dVIN], 9 differentiated exophytic vulvar intraepithelial lesions [deVIL], and 3 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or usual vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia [HSIL/uVIN]). IHC for p16 and p53, and sequencing of TP53 exons 4-9 were performed. HPV in situ hybridization (ISH) was performed in selected cases. We identified six major p53 IHC patterns, two wild-type patterns: (1) scattered, (2) mid-epithelial expression (with basal sparing), and four mutant patterns: (3) basal overexpression, (4) parabasal/diffuse overexpression, (5) absent, and (6) cytoplasmic expression. These IHC patterns were consistent with TP53 mutation status in 58/61 (95%) VSCC and 39/42 (93%) in situ lesions. Cases that exhibited strong scattered staining and those with a weak basal overexpression pattern could be easily confused. The mid-epithelial pattern was exclusively observed in p16-positive lesions; the basal and parabasal layers that had absent p53 staining, appeared to correlate with the cells that were positive for HPV-ISH. This study describes a pattern-based p53 IHC interpretation framework, which can be utilized as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutational status in both VSCC and vulvar in situ lesions.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Mutation; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 32203095
DOI: 10.1038/s41379-020-0524-1 -
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 -
Journal of Clinical Oncology : Official... Feb 2008To investigate the safety and clinical utility of the sentinel node procedure in early-stage vulvar cancer patients. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
PURPOSE
To investigate the safety and clinical utility of the sentinel node procedure in early-stage vulvar cancer patients.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A multicenter observational study on sentinel node detection using radioactive tracer and blue dye was performed in patients with T1/2 (< 4 cm) squamous cell cancer of the vulva. When the sentinel node was found to be negative at pathologic ultrastaging, inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy was omitted, and the patient was observed with follow-up for 2 years at intervals of every 2 months. Stopping rules were defined for the occurrence of groin recurrences.
RESULTS
From March 2000 until June 2006, a sentinel node procedure was performed in 623 groins of 403 assessable patients. In 259 patients with unifocal vulvar disease and a negative sentinel node (median follow-up time, 35 months), six groin recurrences were diagnosed (2.3%; 95% CI, 0.6% to 5%), and 3-year survival rate was 97% (95% CI, 91% to 99%). Short-term morbidity was decreased in patients after sentinel node dissection only when compared with patients with a positive sentinel node who underwent inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (wound breakdown in groin: 11.7% v 34.0%, respectively; P < .0001; and cellulitis: 4.5% v 21.3%, respectively; P < .0001). Long-term morbidity also was less frequently observed after removal of only the sentinel node compared with sentinel node removal and inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy (recurrent erysipelas: 0.4% v 16.2%, respectively; P < .0001; and lymphedema of the legs: 1.9% v 25.2%, respectively; P < .0001).
CONCLUSION
In early-stage vulvar cancer patients with a negative sentinel node, the groin recurrence rate is low, survival is excellent, and treatment-related morbidity is minimal. We suggest that sentinel node dissection, performed by a quality-controlled multidisciplinary team, should be part of the standard treatment in selected patients with early-stage vulvar cancer.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Disease-Free Survival; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Groin; Humans; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Neoplasm Staging; Prospective Studies; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 18281661
DOI: 10.1200/JCO.2007.14.0566 -
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 Diseases; Vulvar Diseases; Vulvar Neoplasms
PubMed: 35413374
DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2022.03.025 -
Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease Jul 2022The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of...
The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD) and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) Consensus Statements on Pre-invasive Vulvar Lesions.
The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vulvar squamous intraepithelial neoplasia, vulvar Paget disease in situ, and melanoma in situ. For differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN), an excisional procedure must always be adopted. For vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (VHSIL), both excisional procedures and ablative ones can be used. The latter can be considered for anatomy and function preservation and must be preceded by several representative biopsies to exclude malignancy. Medical treatment (imiquimod or cidofovir) can be considered for VHSIL. Recent studies favor an approach of using imiquimod in vulvar Paget's disease. Surgery must take into consideration that the extension of the disease is usually wider than what is evident in the skin. A 2 cm margin is usually considered necessary. A wide local excision with 1 cm free surgical margins is recommended for melanoma in situ. Following treatment of pre-invasive vulvar lesions, women should be seen on a regular basis for careful clinical assessment, including biopsy of any suspicious area. Follow-up should be modulated according to the risk of recurrence (type of lesion, patient age and immunological conditions, other associated lower genital tract lesions).
Topics: Carcinoma in Situ; Colposcopy; Female; Humans; Imiquimod; Melanoma; Paget Disease, Extramammary; Pregnancy; Skin Neoplasms; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions; Vulvar Neoplasms; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 35763611
DOI: 10.1097/LGT.0000000000000683