Histological Classification of Vulvar Dermatoses: Pathological Subsets

The purpose of this classification is to assist clinicians in interpreting pathology reports. It is important to consider the clinical presentation in addition to the histology to determine a diagnosis.

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2006 HISTOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION OF VULVAR DERMATOSES

SPONGIOTIC PATTERN

Atopic dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis Irritant contact dermatitis

ACANTHOTIC PATTERN (FORMERLY SQUAMOUS CELL HYPERPLASIA)

Psoriasis

Lichen simplex chronicus

Primary (idiopathic)

Secondary (superimposed on lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, or other vulvar disease)

LICHENOID PATTERN

Lichen sclerosus

Lichen planus

DERMAL HOMOGENIZATION/SCLEROSIS PATTERN

Lichen sclerosus

VESICULOBULLOUS PATTERN

Pemphigoid, cicatricial type

Linear IgA disease

ACANTHOLYTIC PATTERN

Hailey-Hailey disease

Darier disease

Papular genitocrural acantholysis

GRANULOMATOUS PATTERN

Crohn disease

Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome

VASCULOPATHIC PATTERN

Aphthous ulcers

Behcet disease

Plasma cell vulvitis

Reference

• Lynch PJ, Moyal-Barracco M, Bogliatto F, Micheletti L, Scurry J. 2006 ISSVD classification of vulvar dermatoses: pathologic subsets and their clinical correlates. Journal of Reproductive Medicine. 2007;52(1):3-9.
• Lynch, PJ. 2006 International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease Classification of Vulvar Dermatoses: A Synopsis. J Low Gen Tract Dis 2007;11(1):1-2.