Minimally invasive diagnosis of vulvar disease using punch biopsy

Objective. To study the pattern of external genital diseases in women by referrals and to evaluate the efficiency of punch biopsy for the diagnosis of vulvar diseases. Subjects and methods. The investigation enrolled 138patients aged 20 to 72 years (mean age, 48.0±13.3 years), who underwent vulvar punch biopsy in 2014 to 2019. The inclusion criteria were diagnosed and histologically verified vulvar diseases; 18 years of age and older; non-use of topical corticosteroids within 30 days prior to a biopsy; All the women f illed out an informed consent form for vulvar biopsy. Results. The study showed the high safety and eff iciency of punch biopsy in the diagnosis of vulvar diseases, among which, vulvar lichen sclerosus (62.8%) was the most common disease. Conclusions. Vulvar punch biopsy followed by histologic examination allows the final diagnosis to be established. The advantages of punch biopsy are minimal invasiveness, high safety, obtaining tissue of uniform column shape, and ease of use.

vulvar biopsy, punch biopsy, vulvar lichen sclerosus, vulvar cancer, vulvar dermatoses