Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma accounts for the majority of vulvar cancers and develops through two distinct biological pathways: HPV-associated and HPV-independent disease.
This course reviews the two recognised precursor lesions — usual type VIN (uVIN, HPV-related) and differentiated VIN (dVIN, HPV-independent) — and explains their differing epidemiology, molecular pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and risk of progression to invasive carcinoma.
-
Differentiate HPV-associated (uVIN/HSIL) and HPV-independent (dVIN) precursor lesions
-
Identify when thickened plaques or nodules require biopsy
-
Recognise the clinical significance of lichen sclerosus in vulvar cancer risk
-
Understand the role of histology and immunohistochemistry (p16, p53)
-
Understand progression rates and risk differences between uVIN and dVIN
-
Recognise when specialist referral is required, particularly with minimal invasion
