Background: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that frequently involves the perineal and perianal regions. The association between HS and malignant transformation is a rare but under recognized phenomenon.
Objective: This systematic review aims to summarize all available cases of vulvar and perianal/perineal cancer emerging in patients with HS, describing clinical and therapeutic particularities of these coexisting conditions in female patients.
Materials and methods: This systematic review and pooled analysis was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines; end-of-search date was June 15, 2015.
Results: A total of 13 eligible articles were identified; 7 cases of vulvar cancer and 6 cases of perineal/perianal carcinomas in patients with HS were noted. A majority of published cases pertained to rather advanced carcinomas; only occasionally early stage carcinomas were identified. The optimal modifications in the treatment scheme of vulvar, perianal, and perineal cancer in patients with HS have not been established; detailed reporting of recurrence- and survival-related aspects is advised.
Conclusion: Vulvar, perianal, and perineal cancer represent a rare but serious complication of HS.