Advanced
Technical
IVT
vulvar melanoma
Rare malignant tumor arising from melanocytes in vulvar skin, distinct from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.
Full Definition
Vulvar melanoma is an uncommon but aggressive malignancy that accounts for approximately 5% of all vulvar cancers and less than 1% of all melanomas. It typically occurs in older women and most commonly arises on the labia minora or clitoris. Unlike vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, it is not associated with HPV infection or vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia. The prognosis depends on tumor thickness (Breslow depth), presence of ulceration, and lymph node status. Surgical treatment involves wide local excision with consideration of sentinel lymph node biopsy.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify anatomic location when documenting melanoma cases.
In Context
- "The pigmented lesion was diagnosed as vulvar melanoma with a Breslow thickness of 2.1 mm." — pathology report
- "Vulvar melanoma requires wide excision margins of 1-2 cm depending on tumor thickness." — surgical planning note
Also known as
melanoma of the vulva
Don't confuse with
vulvar squamous cell carcinoma
vulvar nevus