Vulvar dystrophies: An evaluation

The vulvar biopsy specimens from 128 patients were grouped according to a predetermined classification. When the charts on these 128 patients were reviewed, several facts relative to the vulvar dystrophies were noted. The presence of a vulvar dystrophy, when adequately treated, does not significantly predispose the patient to the developent of vulvar carcinoma. When first seen, the one patient who did develop carcinoma of the vulva had an initial vulvar carcinoma 3 years prior to the diagnosis of a second vulvar carcinoma and associated lichen sclerosus et atrophicus. The symptoms related to the vulvar dystrophies can be adequately controlled with medical treatment. Since the treatment will vary according to the type of dystrophy present, it is important that the diagnosis be accurately made. Vulvectomy is contraindicated as a means of treatment in the vast majority of patients with a vulvar dystrophy.