Vulvar High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and the Risk of Recurrence and Progression to Cancer
Joana R. Xavier, Rita Figueiredo, Pedro Vieira‐Baptista
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze which clinical characteristics are associated with recurrence and progression of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (vHSIL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study, including all women with vHSIL followed in 1 center between 2009 and 2021. Women with a concomitant diagnosis of invasive vulvar cancer were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for demographic factors, clinical data, treatment type, histopathologic results, and follow-up information. RESULTS: A total of 30 women were diagnosed with vHSIL. The median follow-up time was 4 years (range = 1-12 years). More than half of the women (56.7% [17/30]) underwent excisional treatment, whereas 26.7% (8/30) underwent combined (excisional plus medical) treatment, and 16.7% (5/30) only had medical treatment (imiquimod). Six women had recurrence of vHSIL (20% [6/30]), with a mean time to recurrence of 4.7 ± 2.88 years. The progression rate to invasive vulvar cancer was 13.3% (4/30), with a mean time to progression of 1.8 ± 0.96 years. Multifocal disease was associated with progression to vulvar cancer ( p = .035). We did not identify other variables associated with progression; no differences were found between women with and without recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Multifocality of the lesions was the only variable associated with progression to vulvar cancer. This reinforces the idea that these lesions are a challenge in both treatment and surveillance, involving a more difficult therapeutic decision with greater associated morbidity.