What is vulvar cancer?
Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that affects the outer surface of the female genitalia, called the vulva.
This type of cancer, which progresses slowly over several years, is a disease in which malignant or cancerous cells form in the tissues of the vulva.
Although vulvar cancer can affect the labia minora, clitoris or vaginal glands, in most cases, it affects the labia majora.
Although it can occur at any age, vulvar cancer is usually diagnosed in older adults.
Prognosis of the disease
The prognosis varies depending on different factors such as the size of the tumor, the type of cancer and whether or not the cancer has spread. In most cases, women who have vulvar cancer and who have been diagnosed and treated in the early stages usually have a good prognosis.
Symptoms of vulvar cancer
In many cases, vulvar cancer does not cause signs and symptoms at first, but when they do appear, they may include:
- Appearance of a lump on the vulva or open sores.
- Itching that does not go away
- Pain and tenderness
- Bleeding that does not come from menstruation
- Changes in the color of the vulvar skin
Medical tests for vulvar cancer
Medical tests to diagnose vulvar cancer include the following:
- Biopsy
- MRI of the pelvis
- Pelvic exam to look for skin changes
- Pelvic ultrasound
- Colposcopy
What causes vulvar cancer?
The exact cause of vulvar cancer is currently unknown, but there are a number of factors that increase the risk.
The main risk factors are the following:
- Older age: although vulvar cancer can occur at any age, the risk of vulvar cancer increases as a woman gets older.
- Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV): this sexually transmitted disease increases the risk of vulvar cancer.
- Smoking
- Weakened immune system: the risk of vulvar cancer increases in women who have conditions that weaken the immune system.
- Having a history of precancerous vulvar disease, such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, which can develop into cancer.
- Have a skin disease that affects the vulva.
Can it be prevented?
One of the prevention methods to reduce the risk of vulvar cancer is to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. In this regard, it is essential to follow the following guidelines:
- Use condoms during sexual intercourse
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Getting vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Treatments for vulvar cancer
Treatment for vulvar cancer involves surgery to remove the cancerous cells.
In more advanced cases, radiation may be used with or without chemotherapy. The latter treatment is also used in cases of recurrence of vulvar cancer.
What specialist treats it?
The specialist in charge of treating vulvar cancer is the doctor who is an expert in Gynecology and Obstetrics.