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. 2019 Sep;60(9):479-482.
doi: 10.11622/smedj.2019014. Epub 2019 Feb 18.

Vulvar basal cell carcinoma: clinical features and treatment outcomes from a tertiary care centre

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Vulvar basal cell carcinoma: clinical features and treatment outcomes from a tertiary care centre

Rama P Namuduri et al. Singapore Med J. 2019 Sep.

Abstract

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features, management and outcomes of patients diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the vulva at the Gynaecological Cancer Centre, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore, between 1 January 2000 and 28 February 2014. Patients with vulvar BCC were identified from the cancer registry, and their medical records reviewed and analysed. A total of 11 patients with vulvar BCC were identified. Mean age at diagnosis was 63 (range 30-85) years. Ethnically, ten patients were Chinese and one was Malay. Average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis was 13.8 (range 2-60) months. The most common presenting symptoms were lump and pruritus. All patients were managed surgically. Recurrence was noted in only one patient. Vulvar BCC, although rare, has an excellent prognosis when managed appropriately. Histological diagnosis of all persistent papules, plaques and pigmented lesions is important for early diagnosis.

Keywords: basal cell carcinoma; neoplasm; vulvar.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Photomicrograph shows well-circumscribed nodules with surrounding loose fibromyxoid stroma and characteristic tumour retraction (arrow) (Haematoxylin & eosin, × 4).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Photomicrograph shows tumour arising from the basal layer of the epidermis (Haematoxylin & eosin, × 10).

Comment in

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