[Terminology and classification problems in relation to vulvar pathology].

The aim of this paper is to update the physicians (gynecologists, dermatologists and pathologists) on the evolution of vulvar disease terminologies. In doing that the authors illustrate briefly the fundamental steps which led to present classifications of the International Society for the Study of Vulvar Disease (ISSVD). The classification of "non neoplastic epithelial disorders" together with that of "intraepithelial alterations" are illustrated and compared with the terminologies previously employed. The last ISSVD definition of "superficially invasive carcinoma" of the vulva is also presented and discussed. The authors concluded that even if all these ISSVD classifications represent an important effort for reaching a common language for a better international exchange of different experiences, nevertheless an improvement of these terminologies is still requested.