Vulvar Cancer: 2021 Revised FIGO Staging System and the Role of Imaging

Abstract

Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecological malignancy. It constitutes 5–8% of all gynecologic neoplasms, and squamous cell carcinoma is the most common variant. This article aims to review the etiopathogenesis revised 2021 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification and emphasize imaging in the staging of vulvar cancer. The staging has been regulated by FIGO since 1969 and is subjected to multiple revisions. Previous 2009 FIGO classification is limited by the prognostic capability, which prompted the 2021 revisions and issue of a new FIGO classification. Although vulvar cancer can be visualized clinically, imaging plays a crucial role in the staging of the tumor, assessing the tumor extent, and planning the management. In addition, sentinel lymph node biopsy facilitates the histopathological staging of the draining lymph node, thus enabling early detection of tumor metastases and better survival rates.