Publication:

Study of epidemiology, clinicopathological correlation, prognostic factors and management in squamous cell carcinoma of vulva

Background Carcinoma of the vulva is rare cancer, pruritus is the most common and long-lasting reported symptom. It is found to be associated with HPV and HIV infection. Currently, a more individualized and less radical treatment is suggested. In this study we evaluated epidemiology, clinicopathological prognostic factors, HPV distribution and risk factors for metastases to lymph nodes. We also reviewed multidisciplinary clinical management carried out at our institute.

Methods It is a prospective study of 25 biopsy proven cases of Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Vulva, treated at our center from September 2014 to September 2016. We collected the data regarding the clinical presentation, histological details, treatment given, survival and complications. HPV 16 and 18 testing were done using PCR method. Median follow up of the patients are for 24 months.

Results The mean age of patients was 54.6 years. Commonest presentation was perineal itching (36%). HPV 16/18 were positive in 25% of the patients. Radical vulvectomy with bilateral groin dissection was done in 14/25 (56%) patients. Among these 14 patients, 35.7 % (5/14) has lymph node metastases, disease free survival was 63.6% and overall survival was 81.1% for median follow up of 24 months. About one third of the patient presented with locally advanced disease.  Six (24%) patients received only chemo radiation as a treatment.

Conclusions HPV and HIV infection increase the risk of vulvar cancer. Individualization of treatment is necessary. The use of preoperative chemoradiation in locally advanced disease might have promising results in future.