Comparison of efficiency of photodynamic diagnostics with topical use of the 3% and 15% aminolevulinic acid in the detection of vulvar lesions

High correlation was observed between the accuracy of the photodynamic method of examining vulvar lesions and the accuracy of the histological examination, especially in cases of precancerous lesions and vulvar cancer. The photodynamic examination, when the 3%-ALA/2%DSMO is used, is characterized by a greater sensitivity, comparable specificity, as well as, comparable positive and negative prognostic values, in comparison to the vulvoscopic examination. The photodynamic method, when used with other diagnostic methods, facilitates performing the needle aspiration biopsy and allows for a greater precision of histological diagnoses. The pathological fluorescence obtained during the PDD examination gives information about the spread and multifocality of vulvar lesions, which can facilitate making presurgical decisions concerning the extensiveness of surgery. The photodynamic method, when the 3% ALA/2% DSMO is applied topically, is of comparable efficiency as the 15% ALA, in the detection of vulvar lesions. High safety of the photodynamic method was shown, both in terms of the topical application of the aminolevulinic acid and the subsequent use of light.