An assessment of vulval pigmentation
Jones, I.S.
New Zealand Medical Journal 89(635): 348-350
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-8446 PMID: 287951 Document Number: 150811
Thirty-five vulvectomy specimens were obtained from post-mortem material and studied to assess the distribution of melanin pigment. The information obtained was compared with the melanin distribution in melanoma-in-situ and melanosis vulvae. A lesion had to be larger than 3mm before it was recognised clinically. Melanosis vulvae is but an exaggeration of the normal distribution of melanin pigment. Melanoma-in-situ, however, cannot be reliably distinguished from the benign causes of pigmentation on clinical grounds. The correct diagnosis can only be made histologically. Other causes of vulval pigmentation are also discussed.