Vulvar High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion and the Risk of Recurrence and Progression to Cancer

Abstract

Objective 

This study aimed to analyze which clinical characteristics are associated with recurrence and progression of vulvar high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (vHSIL).

Materials and Methods 

This was a retrospective cohort study, including all women with vHSIL followed in 1 center between 2009 and 2021. Women with a concomitant diagnosis of invasive vulvar cancer were excluded. Medical records were reviewed for demographic factors, clinical data, treatment type, histopathologic results, and follow-up information.

Results 

A total of 30 women were diagnosed with vHSIL. The median follow-up time was 4 years (range = 1–12 years). More than half of the women (56.7% [17/30]) underwent excisional treatment, whereas 26.7% (8/30) underwent combined (excisional plus medical) treatment, and 16.7% (5/30) only had medical treatment (imiquimod). Six women had recurrence of vHSIL (20% [6/30]), with a mean time to recurrence of 4.7 ± 2.88 years. The progression rate to invasive vulvar cancer was 13.3% (4/30), with a mean time to progression of 1.8 ± 0.96 years. Multifocal disease was associated with progression to vulvar cancer (p = .035). We did not identify other variables associated with progression; no differences were found between women with and without recurrences.

Conclusions 

Multifocality of the lesions was the only variable associated with progression to vulvar cancer. This reinforces the idea that these lesions are a challenge in both treatment and surveillance, involving a more difficult therapeutic decision with greater associated morbidity.