title: Evaluation of Symptoms and Prevention of Cancer in Menopause: The Value of Vulvar Exam.
abstract: Vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), is a chronic medical condition experienced by postmenopausal women, with prevalence estimated ranging from 10% to 50% [1]. VVA is characterized by a constellation of symptoms, that may affect daily activities, sexuality, relationships, and quality of life [3]. Early recognition and effective treatment of VVA may enhance sexual health and the quality of life of women and their partners. Some vulvar conditions such as lichen sclerosus are more prevalent in the postmenopausal years. Lichen sclerosus has been suggested as a precursor of Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. The vulvar exam in post-menopausal women plays an essential role in prevention of cancer because it allows to identify women who should undergo vulvar skin biopsy in order to early detect pre-neoplastic lesions for early diagnosis of cancer of the vulva.
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Surgery, Unit Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Palumbo
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Surgery, Unit Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fasolino
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Surgery, Unit Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Santoro
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, A.U.O." San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", via S. Leonardo, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gargano
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, A.U.O." San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", via S. Leonardo, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rinaldi
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, A.U.O." San Giovanni di Dio e Ruggi d'Aragona", via S. Leonardo, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Arduino
authors.affiliation: LILT (Lega Italiana per la Lotta contro i Tumori), Avellino, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Belli
authors.affiliation: University of Medicine and Surgery, Unit Obstetrics and Gynecology, Salerno, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guida
keywords: cancer prevention; vulvar cancer; vulvar examination