Vulvar Cancer

vulvar cancer is a relatively rare diagnosis, representing about 5% of all gynecological cancers, and only about 1% of all female cancers in general. There are about 3,500 new cases reported each year in the United States and about 900 deaths per year attributable to this disease. The incidence of vulvar cancers has remained stable over the past two decades, but rates of precancerous lesions has more than doubled over the same period of time. The cause of the increased number of cases is not well understood.

vulvar cancer is more common in women over 50 years. Additional risk factors for vulvar cancer include having multiple sexual partners, cancer of the cervix, and the presence of chronic inflammation of vulva and vagina. This typeof cancer is often associated with sexually transmitted diseases.

The vulva is the skin and fat between the thighs of women, the anus about an inch below the pubic hairline. Cancer of the vulva most often affects the two folds of skin (or lips) around the vagina, known as the lips.

Cancer of the vulva is a rare type of cancer. It forms the external genitalia of women, called the vulva. The cancer develops slowly over several years. First, precancerous cells grow on the skin of the vulva. This is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or dysplasia. Not all VIN cases turn into cancer, but it is better to apply early.

cancers of the vulva, the external genitalia of women. The vulva includes the inner lips and vagina, the clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips), and the opening of the vagina and its glands. Cancer of the vulva is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.

At the front of the vagina, the labia minora join to form a small hood or both of the skin called the foreskin. Below is the clitoris, a structure of about ¾ inch of very sensitive tissue that swells with blood during sexual stimulation. At the lower end just below the vaginal opening, is the range, where the labia minora meet. Beyond the range is the anus, the opening to the rectum. The space between the vagina and anus is called the perineum.

Most women with vulvar cancer are over 50 years. However, it is becoming more common in women under 40. Women who have constant itching and changes in color and the way the vulva looks are at high risk of developing cancer of the vulva. A physician should be considered if bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation (periods), severe burns / itching or pain at the vulva, or if the skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough.

vulvar cancer is usually treated by surgery. The type of intervention depends on the size, depth and spread of cancer. Your doctor will review all options for surgery and the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Some people may also need radiotherapy.

It is best treated by excision or sometimes by laser evaporation. If a large area is involved and must be removed, then a skin graft can be applied. These pre-cancerous conditions are likely to recur after treatment so continued monitoring is a necessity. Another condition that can occur on the vulva and cause itching and soreness is called lichen sclerosis. This is not a premalignant change, but atrophy of the skin. It will not be improved by medication or anti-yeast. It can be diagnosed by biopsy.