Vulvar Pathology

Book excerpt: This book details the histologic clues in diagnosing the inflammatory dermatoses and neoplastic process of the vulva. The inflammatory dermatoses are divided into histologic patterns to aid recognition. Expert authors provide updates on ancillary techniques such as special stains, immunohistochemistry and chromogenic in situ hybridization when applicable. New advances in classifying squamous lesions as well as staging melanocytic lesions are outlined. They include the recent CAP/ASCCP (College of American Pathologists and the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology) lower anogenital squamous terminology for HPV-associated lesions and the 2009 AJCC (American Joint Committee on Cancer) staging system for melanoma. New advances in molecular findings and potential targeted therapy are discussed for the squamous, melanocytic, adnexal and soft tissue tumors whenever it is pertinent. Vulvar Pathology will be a useful diagnostic guide for general pathologists, pathology trainees, dermatopathologists, dermatologists, and gynecologic pathologists in rendering diagnoses in vulvar inflammatory dermatoses as well as melanocytic, squamous, adnexal, and soft tissue neoplasms of the vulva.​