Vulvar Cancer

Overview

The vulva is the external part of a woman's vagina. It includes the labia, which is the opening of the vagina, the clitoris which is an area of tissue around the vaginal opening, and the Bartholin's glands, which produce mucus in the vaginal opening. Vulvar cancer can affect any one of these three parts.

The cancer is relatively rare and most commonly affects women who have gone through menopause; however, younger women are also at risk. There are several types of vulvar cancer, and each affects women in different age ranges. The condition, when it progresses, can be fatal.

The most commonly affected part of the vulva is the labia. It is more uncommon for the cancer to affect the clitoris or Bartholin's glands. Many types of vulvar cancer are considered to be a form of skin cancer.

Types

Squamous cell carcinoma: These types of vulvar cancer originate from the vulva tissue epidermis. Lesions develop on the labia majora in addition to the clitoris and glands. Most commonly, lesions affect women when they are older. Tumors can also grow on the vagina, urethra, and rectum.

Melanoma: A small number of people develop vulvar cancer due to melanoma in the vulva. This type of vulvar cancer is very aggressive.

Basal cell carcinoma: This type of vulvar cancer involves a slow-growing mass that affects people who are older.

Symptoms

Lesions on the vulva are either masses or ulcers and can produce symptoms of itching, bleeding, and discharge. People will also experience pain, and a dark discoloration will form, especially if the cancer is a type of melanoma.

Most commonly, lesions will develop on the labia. You might notice itching and a wound that does not heal. Lumps, pain, and bleeding that are unrelated to menstrual periods are additional symptoms. You might experience burning, and any vulvar birthmarks might change shape or color.

Causes/Risk Factors

Most vulvar cancers are a form of skin cancer. The condition is relatively rare, but it is most common among women who are older and who have gone through menopause. In any case, younger women are also at risk. Women are at risk if they smoke, take steroids, or have genital warts that are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

Tests/Diagnosis

Diagnosis begins with a pelvic exam, and the doctor will examine the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum in order to detect any abnormalities. An ultrasound and CT scan will allow doctors to visually detect any abnormal masses. The doctor will frequently need a biopsy to conduct a pathology lab test.

Treatment

Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are methods used to treat vulvar cancer. There are several types of surgeries available to treat different kinds of vulvar cancer. One procedure involves skin grafting, which skin from the vulva is replaced with skin from another part of the body. Laser surgery is another common surgery. Radiation therapy uses high energy X-ray beams to stop and shrink tumor growth. A doctor might administer chemotherapy orally or intravenously.