Paget's disease of the vulva is caused by an abnormal change in the cells which cover the skin (outer layer) of the vulva. It's a rare condition and usually only affects women who've been through the menopause.

Itching and a red scaly area (like eczema) on the vulva are the commonest symptoms. The diagnosis is made by removing a small piece of tissue (biopsy) which is then examined under a microscope.

The treatment of Paget's disease is surgery to remove the area and a wide margin of clear tissue (wide local excision). In a small percentage of women (under 20%) an invasive cancer of the vulva is found below the area of Paget's.

It's not unusual for Paget's disease of the vulva to come back again. Because of this women are carefully followed up and seen regularly by their gynaecologists for the long term.

Reference

• Parker LP et al 2000 Paget's disease of the vulva: pathology, pattern of involvement and prognosis. Gynecologic Oncology 77(1):183-189.