Infiltrative squamous cell (epidermoid) carcinoma of vulva

Abstract

HE SERIOUS nature of infiltrative squam-T ous cell carcinoma of the vulva was fully recognized by early writers on the subject. In 190.5, Dittrickll found no recorded cases in which the patient remained free from recurrence for more than 6 years. Ew-ing14 stated, "The course of vulvar carcinoma is usually rapid, and terminates, if without operation, as a rule, within 2 years after the discovery of the lesion." These statements, indicating the bleak outlook of the past, should not be applicable at the present time in view of the encouraging results obtained by contemporary surgical management.6.31 However, the approach to this form of carcinoma is still beset with some indifference and complacency, and there are those who persist i n viewing it as nothing more than a form of carcinoma of skin and seem oblivious to its aggressive and lethal nature when it is not approached with determination.