Basal cell carcinoma of the vulva

This article presents 4 new cases of basal cell carcinoma of the vulva and a review of 61 previously reported cases. The average age is 64.8 years. The usual lesion is a mass or lump associated with a long-standing history of pruritus. Ulceration and/or bleeding are not uncommon. The average duration of symptoms is 4.8 years. Complete local excision is curative, although the recurrence rate is high and probably exceeds 20 percent. Careful follow-up is advised. Although radical surgery is not indicated, wide excision in selected cases may be considered, especially if careful follow-up may be a problem. There is a high (20 percent) association with other primary malignancies.