Dermatoscopy in the Diagnosis of Vulvar Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human malignancy commonly in white people, but in less than 1% of cases it may appear on unexposed areas, like the perineal and anal regions. Vulvar BCC is often diagnosed late because it grows slowly and tends to be asymptomatic, with no specific physical findings. Here, we present a rare Latin patient with a 10-year history of vulvar BCC with dermatoscopic and histopathologic findings. Case report: A 65-year-old Latin woman presented with a nodule on her left labium majus, which she first noted 10 years ago, and that had grown slowly but constantly. She also reported a 20-year history of pruritus and occasional pain. Physical examination showed a 3.5 cm × 3.0 cm erythematous lesion with a central rough without inguinal lymphadenopathy. Contact dermatoscopy (Dermalite DL3 Gen.) showed one blurred cluster of arborising vessels in a pinkish background with white homogeneous areas and lines radial converging. An incisional biopsy was realized, and histopathology diagnosed BCC. Discussion: Vulvar BCC is a rare malignancy that affects mainly Caucasian women over 70 years of age. The most common etiology for BCC is ultraviolet radiation, but as the vulva is unexposed its cause is unclear. Mutations in tumor suppressor and regulatory genes such as p53 are present in 50% of cases. Gorlin syndrome, chronic radiation, chronic arsenic exposure, xeroderma pigmentosum, and immunosuppression have been considered as risk factors. Conclusion: Vulvar BCC characteristics are the same as other cutaneous forms, featuring blue ovoid nests and arborizing telangiectasia, confused with inflammatory diseases, such as eczema, psoriasis, and chronic infection (especially if it is accompanied by pruritus), this makes diagnosis complex, with a delay of 5 to 6 years on average, with an average size of 2.1 cm. Diagnosis is enhanced with dermatoscopy, as the preferred treatment for most BCC cases is wide surgical excision.