[Principles of the clinical evaluation of the vulvar region]

The clinical examination of the vulva, using an articulated method, should form part of the routine gynecological examination thus enabling both the correct diagnosis and treatment of numerous alterations and the prevention and early diagnosis of VIN and invasive neoplasias. A correct evaluation should include basic anamnestic data, a list of symptoms localised in the vulva region, a careful inspection and palpation. The successive aim is to identify the main clinical aspects of the lesion which can be summarized as changes of colour, presence of swellings on surface and loss of substance. The critical evaluation of lesions should allow critical evaluation of lesions should allow the gynecologist to formulate a diagnosis to propose to the pathologist. In this way the collaboration between clinician and pathologist can contribute to progress in the diagnosis and treatment of vulvar diseases.