Skin-Colored Papules and Nodules: Introduction

Abstract

Skin-colored papules and nodules are the most frequent vulvar lesions. A few of them are not pathogenic and should not be treated. They may present as cysts or as solid tumors. The approach to diagnosis, the associated myths, and the treatment which are needed are detailed in this chapter.

1 Introduction

In the following chapters and throughout the book, a number of causes of papules and nodules that may clinically present the same color as the patient’s skin are presented. An outline of the classification of the different conditions is given in Table 11.1.

Table 11.1 Summary of causes of skin-colored papules and nodules

Skin Coloured Papules and Nodules: Breaking the Myths

• Papillae on the vestibule and medial vulva minora usually do not represent HPV infection. They are papillomatosis (micropapillomatosis)—a normal finding.

• Usually, tumors do not cause pruritus. An exception is syringoma—multiple, confluent white or skin-colored papules on the labia majora, associated with pruritus.