Extramammary Paget's Disease of the Vulva and Concomitant Premalignant/Malignant Vulvar Lesions: A Potential Challenge in Diagnosis and Treatment

Simple Summary Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva (EMPDV) is a rare disease. However, an association between EMPDV and other premalignant/malignant vulvar lesions is not uncommon. Due to its potential clinical implication, such an association should be carefully evaluated in all women diagnosed with and treated for EMPDV. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of concomitant vulvar cancers or premalignant lesions in women surgically treated for extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva (EMPDV) through a multicenter case series. The medical records of all women diagnosed with and treated for EMPDV from January 2010 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Women with EMPDV and synchronous vulvar cancer, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and/or lichen sclerosus (LS) at the histology report were included in the study. A total of 69 women eligible for the present study were considered. Concomitant vulvar lesions occurred in 22 cases (31.9%). A total of 11 cases of synchronous VIN (50%) and 14 cases (63.6%) of concomitant LS were observed. One patient (4.5%) had synchronous vulvar SCC (FIGO stage 1B). Women with EMPDV and concomitant premalignant/malignant vulvar lesions had a significantly higher rate of invasive EMPDV and wider lesions with an extravulvar involvement. The specific meaning of the association between EMPDV, VIN, SCC and LS remains unclear. The potential overlapping features between different vulvar lesions highlight the importance of dedicated gynecologists and pathologists in referral centers.

Automated summary

Extramammary Paget's disease of the vulva (EMPDV) is a rare disease, but it is often associated with other premalignant/malignant vulvar lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of concomitant vulvar cancers or premalignant lesions in women surgically treated for EMPDV. The medical records of 69 women with EMPDV were analyzed, and 31.9% of them had concomitant vulvar lesions, including VIN and LS. One patient had synchronous vulvar SCC. Women with EMPDV and concomitant premalignant/malignant vulvar lesions had a higher rate of invasive EMPDV and wider lesions. The significance of this association remains unclear, highlighting the importance of specialized healthcare providers.