Learning objectives
Describe the normal imaging features of the vulva
Differentiate and characterize various vulvar masses
Describe the revised International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging of vulvar cancer
Background
The vulva is located in the anterior urogenital triangle of female perineum.
The vulva represents the female external genitalia,
composed of the mons pubis,
the clitoris,
the labia majora,
the labia minora and the vestibule.
A wide array of diseases affect the female perineum in adults. In the majority of cases,
clinical presentation and biopsy findings,
if needed,
define diagnosis.
Imaging techniques are recommended when physical examination is limited,
or when malignancy is suspected.
Vulvar carcinoma is a rare malignancy,
most commonly seen in elderly...
Findings and procedure details
1. Anatomy of the vulva
2. Diagnostic modalities
3. Diseases involving the vulva
1.ANATOMY OF VULVA
The vulva represents the female external genitalia.
It is located in the anterior urogenital triangle of female perineum.
It appears as a triangular soft tissue structure within the perineum,
bounded by the symphysis pubis anteriorly,
the anal sphincter posteriorly and the ischial tuberosities laterally.
Arterial blood supply is via branches of the external and internal pudendal arteries,
with lymphatic drainage into the superficial inguinal nodes,
although the deep inguinal...
Conclusion
A wide spectrum of diseases arise within the vulvar area.
Knowledge of the diseases and spatial anatomy allows the radiologist to confidently identify the site of origin and extent of disease with the appropriate selection of imaging modality.
MR imaging is the modality of choice for evaluation of the extent of complex lesion and its relationship to adjacent structures and is helpful to aid in eventual surgical planning.
Personal information
Dra Esther Domínguez Franjo
Unidad Central de Radiodiagnóstico
Paseo de Europa,
34
San Sebastián de los Reyes
28702 Madrid
[email protected]
References
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