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Updated: May 27, 2026
06:15
Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Chronic hypertrophic vulvar herpes simulating neoplasia.
Akosua B Domfeh1, Dan-Arin Silasi, Fiona Lindo
1Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06610, USA.
Summary
A rare case of chronic hypertrophic vulvar herpes, mimicking cancer in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patient, highlights diagnostic challenges. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment of this unusual condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can present with various dermatological manifestations.
- Vulvar lesions require careful evaluation to differentiate between infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes.
Observation:
- A 40-year-old woman with HIV presented with a rapidly growing, nodular, hyperkeratotic vulvar mass.
- The lesion's size increased significantly over two months, raising concerns for malignancy.
Findings:
- Histopathologic examination confirmed the vulvar mass as chronic hypertrophic herpes simplex virus infection.
- The condition mimicked vulvar neoplasia, posing a diagnostic challenge.
Implications:
- Chronic hypertrophic vulvar herpes is a rare entity that can clinically and pathologically resemble vulvar cancer.
- Correct diagnosis is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate antiviral therapy rather than oncologic treatment.
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