PIGMENTED VULVAR BASAL CELL CARCINOMA – RELEVANCE OF THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS IN OTHER PIGMENTED VULVAR LESIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant tumors found in the human race, with an increasing incidence in recent decades. The vulva is an atypical location for this type of neoplasm, probably because the etiological factors are different from other anatomical areas. It has a non-specific and monotonous symptomatology.

Case Report: A 69-year-old woman attended with a 3cm eroded plaque with small pigmented areas on the edge of the right labia majora. Histology revealed a pigmented basal cell carcinoma. The patient underwent to wide excision. After three years of follow-up there was no recurrence.

Conclusion: Pigmented vulva basal cell carcinoma is a rarity. We emphasize how important is the differential diagnosis with other pigmented lesions in this area which may be neoplasm with a worst prognosis and require other kind of treatments. Periodic follow-up is required because the high rate of recurrence.

KEYWORDS – Pigmentation disorders; Skin neoplasms; Vulvar neoplasms.