Is it normal to have brown patches around my vulva?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have brown patches around my vulva. They have been there as far as I can remember. But my new partner has brought them to my attention. Is this normal?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for the query. If the patches have been there for as long as you remember and have not been growing in size or not spreading as satellites to the adjacent area, they are pigmentation likely since birth and similar to naevus on skin. However, if it has been a recent development, one can keep melanoma in mind as a potential cause and opt to be investigated to rule it out. Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would agree with you that it does not appear to be a melanoma since it is not much hyperpigmented over the vaginal mucosal lining and not spreading or does not show metastasis in any form either. It is a collection of non-malignant melanocytes. In 3% of healthy women, melanocytes can be found in the basal portion of the vaginal epidermis as embryological remnants of neural crest cells. This is what it is. Keep a watch, and if it seems to increase, then a punch biopsy and histological diagnosis would be conclusive. Regards.