Squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva is predominantly a disease of the elderly, where the mainstay of treatment is radical surgery. Local vulval recurrence (LVR) is a significant problem for these patients, and the rates of recurrence have not improved over the last three decades. Disappointingly, we still lack an understanding of how LVRs develop, and the best approach to prevent and manage the condition. This review discusses recent insights into the key prognostic factors that influence the risk of recurrence, focusing on the role of tumour-adjacent non-neoplastic epithelial disorders, which are thought to play a causative role.
Tweetable abstract: A review that discusses the key prognostic factors that influence local recurrence in vulval cancer.
Keywords: Lichen sclerosus; local disease recurrence; squamous cell carcinoma; vulva; vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.
© 2017 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.