Abstract 1. 1. Theories of histogenesis of basal cell and basal-squamous cell carcinomas of the vulva are discussed. 2. 2. Approximately 80 cases of basal cell carcinoma of the vulva have been reported to date. The incidence of the pure basal cell type is calculated to be 2.7 per cent of all vulvar malignancies; the incidence of the basal-squamous cell type is 2.5 per cent. 3. 3. Clinical features and histologic characteristics are presented. 4. 4. One basal cell and three basal-squamous cell carcinormas of the vulva are herein reported. 5. 5. The importance of careful serial examination of suspected basal cell lesions to rule out a squamous component is stressed. 6. 6. Wide complete vulvectomy is recommended for basal cell carcinoma, a lesion with a predilection for local recurrence as well as a potential for multicentric origin and for transformation to basal-squamous cell carcinoma. A basal-squamous cell carcinoma must be treated by radical vulvectomy and bilateral regional node dissection.