Introduction/Background An early detection and a precise localization of vulvar lesions are still problematic issues, due to the lack of accuracy of the available diagnostic tool. The 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) based fluorescence diagnosis (FD) has been found to be promising for an early detection and demarcation of the vulvar diseases.

Methodology We analyzed sensitivity and specificity of FD in 22 patients with vulvar disorders, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), and vulvar carcinoma stage IA. 5-ALA was topically applied to the vulva. After topical application of the cream, the fluorescence was non-invasively measured with optical fiber and biopsies were taken.

Results Histological assessment of the fluorescence-directed biopsies revealed 14 patients with VIN and vulvar cancer, 8 patients had lichen sclerosus and squamous cell hyperplasia.

Conclusion The FD becomes a valuable, non-invasive diagnostic tool that lowers the amount of false negative diagnosis in cases of VIN and vulvar cancer.

Disclosures no