Pigmented lesions of the vulva

Abstract

Approximately one of every 10 women has a pigmented vulvar lesion. Given the risk of melanomas and pigmented vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (squamous cell carcinoma in situ), proper evaluation of vulvar pigmented lesions is critical. Most vulvar lesions are benign; however, vulvar lesions grossly, dermoscopically, and histologically can appear atypical compared with pigmented lesions on the rest of the body. Thus, it is imperative to use not only a keen eye but also a low threshold for biopsy.