[Basal cell carcinoma in a young patient]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Gynecologic Oncology

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer but is rarely found on the vulva, especially in younger individuals.
• Persistent vulvar lesions can be misdiagnosed or inadequately treated, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Observation:

• A case report details a 37-year-old patient with a 3-year history of a vulvar lesion unresponsive to antibiotics and corticosteroids.
• Initial examinations by gynecologists and dermatologists did not lead to a diagnosis.

Findings:

• A biopsy of the persistent vulvar lesion revealed basal cell carcinoma.
• The patient underwent radical excision and has remained disease-free for 29 months post-treatment.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of histological examination for any persistent vulvar lesion, regardless of patient age.
• Clinicians should consider rare diagnoses like vulvar basal cell carcinoma in younger patients presenting with chronic vulvar complaints.