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Squamous vulval cancer–an update
Author(s) -
Bailey Claire,
Luesley David
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the obstetrician and gynaecologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1744-4667
pISSN - 1467-2561
DOI - 10.1111/tog.12059
Subject(s) - medicine , vulvar cancer , biopsy , vulva , lichen sclerosus , sentinel node , dermatology , cancer , vulvar neoplasm , surgery , general surgery , pathology , breast cancer
Key content Squamous vulval cancer is a rare condition with a poorly understood aetiology. Two factors seem to have an important role; infection with human papilloma virus leading to vulva intraepithelial neoplasia and chronic inflammatory vulval dermatoses such as lichen sclerosus. Diagnosis based on biopsy and management is complex. Consideration is given to site and size of lesion as well as the FIGO staging system. Depending on the stage of cancer, other treatment modalities such as chemoradiation may play a role in the management of the condition.Learning objectives To know how to perform an incisional biopsy of a suspicious vulval lesion. To acknowledge that incisional biopsy is the preferred mode of diagnosis for vulval cancer and appreciate that the role of wide local excision is limited. To be aware of the use of sentinel node biopsy in the management of vulval cancer. To understand that reconstructive surgery has an important place in the management of these patients.Ethical issue How can health professionals help women cope with the psychosexual sequelae after vulval surgery?