Vulvar melanoma: a report of 20 cases and review of the literature.

Background: Vulvar melanoma is the second most common vulvar malignancy and represents a significant women's health issue.

Objective: To report experience with 21 cases of vulvar melanoma in 20 patients and to review the literature about the condition.

Methods: Parameters retrospectively reviewed included age at diagnosis, family history of melanoma, location on the vulva, atypical nevi, Breslow depth, ulceration status, histologic pattern, presenting signs and symptoms, and the results of sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Prognostic value of positron emission tomography using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose in patients with cervical cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether positron emission tomography (PET) using F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) before and after radiotherapy would predict whether local control of cervical cancer had been achieved.

Methods: FDG-PET scans were performed prior to therapy and at a mean of 4.6 months after radiation in 20 patients (pts) with histologically proven uterine cervical cancer who were undergoing a "curative" course of radiation therapy.