Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the risk of vulvar cancer and precursors in a cohort of women with vulvar lichen planus (LP) and the clinical and therapeutic features of these patients.
Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study, including all the women with the diagnosis of vulvar LP, followed in one institution during a period of 11 years, was performed. Demographic and clinical data, as well as treatment, follow-up, and histology results, were evaluated.
Results: A total of 127 women were diagnosed with vulvar LP. The mean follow-up time was 3.9 ± 0.5 years (range = 1-11 years). Ultrapotent topical corticosteroids were first-line treatment in 91.8% (n = 112), with 32 cases (25.2%) needing an alternative treatment. Overall, 30 biopsies were performed in 19 women (15%). Vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was diagnosed in 3 women (2.4%), 2 (1.6%) of whom were later diagnosed with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma. No cases of differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia were observed.
Conclusions: Premalignant/malignant transformation in women with vulvar LP under surveillance and compliant with treatment is low. A close follow-up seems to be crucial to prevent future malignancy. Biopsies should be performed whenever a suspicious lesion seems during follow-up.
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