Vulvoscopy: anachronism or a time-tested method?

Abstract

Objective. Due to the growing number of patients with various diseases of the vulva, there is a need to evaluate the available diagnostic tools. Vulvoscopy is one of the widely used methods, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of which varies significantly. Purpose of the work. Based on the analysis of publications to determine the diagnostic significance of vulvoscopy. Material and methods. The data of modern research and publications were used in the preparation of the work. Results. The authors of a number of publications warn against considering vulvoscopy as a variant of colposcopy. A high percentage of false positive results when performing tests with acetic acid may be due to a variety of reasons and is not highly specific for papillomavirus infection. The use of the test with toluidine blue is not recommended due to low sensitivity. Conclusions. A positive aspect of vulvoscopy is the ability to examine the vulva area with optical magnification, in a position convenient for examining the patient, which makes it possible to identify areas to be biopsied. The use of additional tests with acetic acid should be limited, and tests with toluidine blue and Lugol solution are not recommended due to low sensitivity.