New Directions in Vulvar Cancer Pathology

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim of this article is to provide clinicians and pathologists with an understanding of the aetiopathology, pathogenesis and classification of vulval neoplasia and their molecular correlates.

Recent findings: There is an increased understanding of subcellular changes in vulvar malignancies. These provide the direction for further research and aid personalised treatment for patients. The article explores concepts of the aetiology of vulvar cancer and updates the reader with the equivalence of terminology of preneoplastic vulval disease. The differential diagnosis of squamous neoplasia and their clinicopathological correlation is detailed. The salient findings from recent literature into the understanding of the disease of squamous cell neoplasia and rare vulvar malignancies are summarised.

Keywords: Human papilloma virus (HPV); Lichen sclerosus; Sentinel node biopsy; Vulvar cancer; Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).