gynecology and obstetrics
Vulvar Cancer
Pathology of Vulvar Cancer
About 90% of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas; about 5% are melanomas. Others include adenocarcinomas and transitional cell, adenoid cystic, and adenosquamous carcinomas; all may originate in Bartholin glands. Sarcomas and basal cell carcinomas with underlying adenocarcinoma also occur. Vulvar cancer may spread as follows: By direct extension (eg, into the urethra, bladder, vagina, perineum, anus, or rectum) Hematogenously To the inguinal lymph nodes From the inguinal lymph nodes to the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes 