What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• SCC In Situ of Vulva
• Vulvar SCC In Situ
• Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ

What is Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva? (Definition/Background Information)

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva is a malignant condition affecting the skin or mucosal membranes of the vulva (external vaginal opening). The carcinoma may be present as a well-defined red patch; it is frequently solitary, but sometimes are many in number
• The lesion may itch, ulcerate, or even bleed. The condition may be diagnosed definitively through a tissue biopsy
• Middle-aged and elderly women are at risk for the condition. The cause of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva is unknown, but it is influenced by factors such as HPV infection, poor immunity, high-risk sexual practices, etc.
• Any combination of radiation therapy and invasive procedures (surgery) are used to treat Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ. The prognosis depends upon early diagnosis and treatment that is administered

Who gets Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva usually occurs in women between the ages of 30 and 60 years
• The condition has no geographical, racial, or ethnic preference; it is observed around the world

What are the Risk Factors for Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

The following factors increase the risk of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva:

• Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV); subtypes 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45,
• High-risk sexual behavior; sexual promiscuity
• Weakened immune system as a result of HIV infection or AIDS, or due to administration of immunosuppressants
• Smoking
• Lack of proper hygiene
• Longstanding ulcerative lichen planus

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of development of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva is not completely known in a majority of cases
• In case HPV infection is associated with SCC In Situ of Vulva, it is caused by alteration in the DNA by the human papilloma virus that results in uncontrolled cell proliferation
• Other factors that may contribute to the condition include weak immune system, sexual promiscuity, poor hygiene, smoking, etc.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva signs and symptoms may include:

• The presence of a single patch-like red lesion (in most cases) on the vulva (entrance to the vagina) that is poorly-defined; they may be many in number, in some cases
• Itching sensation may be felt around the red patch
• They may or may not ulcerate and bleed
• Crusting of the lesions can occur
• In squamous cell carcinoma in situ, the malignancy is confined to the skin surface and no invasion or metastasis is observed

How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva Diagnosed?

Some of the tests that may help in diagnosing Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva include:

• Complete physical examination with detailed medical history evaluation
• Examination by a dermatologist using a dermoscopy, a special device to examine the skin
• Skin or tissue biopsy: A skin or tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. A biopsy is performed to rule out other similar conditions too

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva?

The complications of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva could include:

• Squamous cell carcinomas have the potential to become invasive and spread to other distant sites, if treatment is delayed
• Difficulty or discomfort in having sex
• Side effects of radiation therapy

How is Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva Treated?

The treatment options for Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva may include:

• Surgery: Complete surgical excision can be curative
• Laser ablation: The use of laser to remove solid tumors or lesions
• Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy beams to kill cancer cells
• Close monitor and follow-up reviews of the condition are important

How can Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva be Prevented?

Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva may be prevented by following some of these measures:

• Use of condoms, avoiding multiple sexual partners, etc. to avoid sexually-transmitted infections
• Undertake immediate treatment of ulcers in the genital region
• Avoidance of smoking
• Availing vaccinations against the human papilloma virus (HPV)
• Maintaining personal hygiene

What is the Prognosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The outcomes are excellent with early diagnosis and treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva
• Without treatment (or a delay in treatment), squamous cell carcinomas may evolve to invasive carcinomas, which may have poor prognoses, depending on the stage of the carcinoma

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Situ of Vulva:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/