title: Defining the concept of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva: a new perspective based on standardization of criteria and current evidence.
abstract: The phrase "locally advanced carcinoma of the vulva" has often been mentioned in the literature, though not accurately defined, or even leading to the interpretation overlapping. Grounded on cervical cancer experience, we are able to state that designing a tailored primary strategy based on clinically measurable adverse prognostic factors represents the cornerstone of therapy. This fact urged us to rethink about the real usefulness of the concept of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. We will refer to this concept as a clinical entity emerging from a rigorous workup which is a valuable guiding tool in the context of a thorough debate about the best primary treatment approach to be used. Furthermore, bulky tumors of the vulva have been associated with a worse prognosis on several occasions. Some authors have questioned the fact that tumor size has not been considered in the staging system. Finally, a standardized definition will help us compare the results obtained, which is extremely necessary given the worldwide low prevalence of this disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Oncology Hospital of Buenos Aires Marie Curie, Buenos Aires, Argentina.; Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, Donacion Francisco Santojanni Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina. alearagona2@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Alejandro M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Aragona
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Oncology Hospital of Buenos Aires Marie Curie, Buenos Aires, Argentina.; Unit of Gynecologic Oncology, Parmenio Pinero Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Alejandro H
authors.initials: AH
authors.lastname: Soderini
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Oncology Hospital of Buenos Aires Marie Curie, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Nicasio A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Cuneo
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy
keywords: Prevalence; Prognosis; Squamous cell carcinoma; Vulva