Scope and Purpose The main objective is to aid recognition of the signs and symptoms and complications of vulval conditions which may present in Genitourinary Medicine clinic attendees. This guideline offers recommendations on the diagnostic tests and treatment regimes needed for the effective management of the following vulval conditions: Vulval lichen sclerosus Vulval lichen planus Vulval der...

A survey of the nature and phylogenetic distribution of nematode vulval appendages revealed 3 major classes based on composition, position, and orientation that included membranes, flaps, and epiptygmata. Minor classes included cuticular inflations, protruding vulvar appendages of extruded gonadal tissues, vulval ridges, and peri-vulval pits. Vulval membranes were found in Mermithida, Triplonch...

Precursor cells of the vulva of the C. elegans hermaphrodite choose between two vulval cell fates (1 degree and 2 degrees) and a non-vulval epidermal fate (3 degrees) in response to three intercellular signals. An inductive signal produced by the anchor cell induces the vulval precursors to assume the 1 degree and 2 degree vulval fates. This inductive signal is an EGF-like growth factor encoded...

BACKGROUND The vulva is skin, and it is helpful to approach vulval conditions from a dermatological perspective. The vulva is affected by the same dermatoses as the rest of the skin, but modified in appearance by special influences. OBJECTIVE This article will outline an approach to the diagnosis and management of vulval dermatoses. DISCUSSION Vulval disorders present as infections, rashes ...

AIMS To detect the presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in cases of vulval carcinoma in Chinese patients living in Hong Kong. METHODS Formalin fixed, paraffin wax embedded blocks from eight cases of vulval carcinoma and six age matched controls of non-neoplastic vulval tissue were analysed for the presence of EBV DNA using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS EBV DNA was detected in...

LIM homeobox family members regulate a variety of cell fate choices during animal development. In C. elegans, mutations in the LIM homeobox gene lin-11 have previously been shown to alter the cell division pattern of a subset of the 2 degrees lineage vulval cells. We demonstrate multiple functions of lin-11 during vulval development. We examined the fate of vulval cells in lin-11 mutant animals...

OBJECTIVES To examine within the primary health care setting, the frequency of chronic vulval disorders, their frequency, investigation, management and referral patterns. METHODS A questionnaire based survey at general practitioners surrounding a district general hospital. RESULTS A total of 79 (72%) GPs replied to the questionnaire. Thirty-six (45%) GPs saw more than one patient per month ...

We are using Caenorhabditis elegans vulval induction to study intercellular signaling and its regulation. Genes required for vulval induction include the LIN-3 transforming alpha-like growth factor, the LET-23 epidermal growth factor (EGF)-receptor-like transmembrane tyrosine kinase, the SEM-5 adaptor protein, LET-60 Ras, and the LIN-45 Raf serine/threonine kinase. Inactivation of this pathway ...

Vulval conditions may present to a variety of clinicians, such as dermatologists, gynaecologists and general practitioners. Women with these conditions are best managed by a multidisciplinary approach, which includes clear referral pathways between disciplines or access to a specialist multidisciplinary vulval service. Informed consent is a prerequisite for all examinations, investigations and ...