The differential diagnosis for pigmented vulvar masses includes benign melanocytic lesions and malignancies. Histology is necessary to identify vulvovaginal melanoma. Like other mucosal melanomas, vulvovaginal melanoma is not related to ultraviolet exposure but is associated with chronic inflammation, viral infections, chemical irritants, and genetic susceptibility. This form of melanoma is rare and aggressive and generally carries a poor prognosis. The risk of recurrence is high, so vigilant monitoring after treatment is essential. Thankfully, this patient had no metastases and remained disease-free 3 years after treatment.
Comment
The differential diagnosis for pigmented vulvar masses includes benign melanocytic lesions and malignancies. Histology is necessary to identify vulvovaginal melanoma. Like other mucosal melanomas, vulvovaginal melanoma is not related to ultraviolet exposure but is associated with chronic inflammation, viral infections, chemical irritants, and genetic susceptibility. This form of melanoma is rare and aggressive and generally carries a poor prognosis. The risk of recurrence is high, so vigilant monitoring after treatment is essential. Thankfully, this patient had no metastases and remained disease-free 3 years after treatment.