[Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva: 21 cases].
BACKGROUND
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) accounts for 2 to 3 p. 100 of all vulvar malignancies.


METHODS
We report a retrospective study of 21 cases treated from 1937 to 1999.


RESULTS
Vulvar BCC's occurred in elderly patients (average age: 66 years), with mean delay to diagnosis of 5.5 years. Five patients were referred for recurrence. Lesions were located on the external hairy side of the labia majus, except one located on the internal side. In 4 cases a preexisting risk factor was identified: 2 patients had previously received radiation therapy and 2 other patients had multiple disseminated BCC. Mean BCC diameter was 2 cm. Pathological data were similar to skin BCC, with one case of mixed tumor (BCC and squamous cell carcinoma). The treatment was surgical excision for 19 BCCs. Local recurrence risk was high. Only one patient died of visceral dissemination of the disease.


CONCLUSIONS
More than 250 cases of vulvar BCC have been reported in the literature. Clinical, pathological and follow up data are similar to results in the present series. Treatment of choice consists of surgical excision with tumor-free margins. Because of local recurrence risk and possible association with other primary cancers in this age group, long term follow-up is necessary.
Service de Dermatologie, Institut Gustave Roussy, 39, rue Camille Desmoulins, 94805 Villejuif.
C
C
Mateus
M
M
Fortier-Beaulieu
C
C
Lhomme
F
F
Rochard
D
D
Castaigne
P
P
Duvillard
M F
MF
Avril
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy