2011 terminology of the vulva of the International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to present the clinical and colposcopic terminology of the vulva (including the anus) of the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy.


METHODS
The terminology has been developed by the International Federation of Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy Nomenclature Committee during 2009-2011.


RESULTS
The terminology is part of a comprehensive terminology of the lower genital tract, allowing for standardization of nomenclature by colposcopists, clinicians, and researchers taking care of women with lesions in these areas. The terminology includes basic definitions and normal findings that are important for the clinician lacking experience with management of vulvar disease. This terminology introduces definitions for abnormal findings recently accepted by the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease and includes patterns to identify malignancy.


CONCLUSIONS
The terminology differs from past terminologies in that it includes colposcopic patterns and anal colposcopy. Nevertheless, the role of the colposcope in the management of vulvar disease is limited.
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Western Galilee Hospital, and Bar-Ilan University Galilee Faculty of Medicine, Nahariya, Israel. mdjacob@gmail.com
Jacob
J
Bornstein
Mario
M
Sideri
Silvio
S
Tatti
Patrick
P
Walker
Walter
W
Prendiville
Hope K
HK
Haefner
D001003:Anal Canal / Q000473:pathology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000473:pathology*; D003127:Colposcopy / Q000145:classification*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D014844:Vulva / Q000473:pathology; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology