Considering all that has been written on the subject of carcinoma of the vulva, it is surprising to find that the basal cell type of tumor has received so little attention. This is particularly true when one considers its relatively benign nature in other parts of the body as compared with squamous carcinoma. That the tumor is uncommon is unquestioned; yet it occurs with sufficient frequency to warrant special consideration. The following study is based on the 4 cases reported here and on 23 additional cases collected from articles dealing with vulval carcinoma in general, found in the literature between 1916 and 1939. From this material an attempt is made to present data regarding the incidence, therapy and prognosis.In order to clarify the term basal cell carcinoma the histopathologic picture must first be considered. Between the typical squamous carcinoma with its pearl-forming, large, clear cells and the classic basal