Authors: Flávia Sousa Freitas Scherre, Luiza Souza Cani, Vanessa Pereira Gaigher, Antônio Chambô Filho.
Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histological type of primary vulvar tumor. However, when vulvar tumors are secondary, investigation for the primary site should include the rectum, colon, anus, cervix, ovary, endometrium, vagina, skin, breast, lung and bladder. These secondary lesions may be single or multiple and may vary macroscopically, presenting as maculae, ulcers, papules, nodules, plaques, inflamed lesions or even telangiectasias. Diagnosis is histological, with immunohistochemistry being helpful in clarifying cases. Prognosis tends to be poor and treatment is palliative because of the advanced stage of the primary tumor.
Case: The present report describes two clinical cases and discusses their rarity, clinical diagnosis, histopathology findings and the treatment of patients with metastatic vulvar lesions. The data were collected at a hospital in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil.
Conclusion: In the female genital tract, the vulva is the least likely site of skin metastasis. However, when present, prognosis tends to be poor, since this finding is an indication of the advanced stage of the primary disease. Therefore, inspection of the vulva is mandatory. If lesions of any morphological type are present in this region, histology should be performed.
View/Download pdf