Non-invasive diagnosis of vulvar dysplasia using cervical methylation markers—a case control study

The findings suggest that the methylation markers comprising GynTect® may be suitable for detecting vulvar neoplasia, as they exhibit high sensitivity. Nonetheless, adjustments are needed for comparable specificity. Lichen should be considered in result interpretation, and the kit should be used with caution for patients with lichen. Moreover, we observed methylation changes as an early event with the highest positivity of VLSIL. Surprisingly, changes in methylation pattern are not as local as presumed. Cervical SIL led to changed methylation in the vulva. Patients with positive kit results should be monitored regularly for all genital dysplasia. This sheds new light on the epigenetics in cancer.