Cutaneous metastasis from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma: a rare occurrence that should not be forgotten

Abstract

Vulvar cancer accounts for 5% of the female genital tract cancers. Cutaneous metastases from vulvar cancer are extremely rare and for this reason, it can be difficult to reach a diagnosis with a consequent delay in the treatment. A systematic literature review of articles on this subject was conducted through a MEDLINE-based search for articles published in English or French. To date, 16 cases (including ours unpublished) of cutaneous metastasis from vulvar cancer have been reported. Cutaneous metastasis can occur from any stage of vulvar cancer, even after a short period. Different treatments have been described but none of them seems to be more effective. In all reported cases the prognosis was very poor. Every time a vulvar cancer survivor shows a suspicious cutaneous lesion, this should be biopsied to exclude skin relapse.

Impact statement

• Cutaneous metastases from vulvar cancer are extremely rare and due to its rarity, a standard treatment has not been established yet.

• Cutaneous metastasis can occur from any stage of vulvar cancer, even after a short period. In all the reported cases, the prognosis was very poor.

• Every time a vulvar cancer survivor shows a suspect cutaneous lesion, this should be biopsied to exclude skin relapse.

Keywords:

• Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
• cutaneous metastasis
• skin metastasis
• recurrence

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest.