[Recent prognostic factors in vulvar carcinoma: histological, immunohistochemical and flow cytometry studies].

OBJECTIVES

Are newer histologic investigations helpful in the evaluation of the prognosis of vulvar carcinoma?

METHODS

147 primary squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva were examined for overall- and disease-free survival (mean observation 59.6 months).

RESULTS

A significance in prognosis was found for FIGO-stage, a new-created histologic grade, p53- and vimentin-expression and amount of T-lymphocytes in tumoral stroma. Unfavourable prognosis was detected for tumors with elevated growth fraction, high proliferating cell-compartment (S + G2 + M) and increased cytokeratin-8-expression.

CONCLUSIONS

These investigations are able to describe the malignant potential of a vulvar carcinoma and should therefore influence the decision for a modified radical therapy.