Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer, a rare cancer that represents only four percent of all female reproductive cancers, originates in the outer part of the female reproductive system (the clitoris, vaginal lips and opening of the vagina). In 2008, it was estimated that 3,460 new cases would be diagnosed and 870 would die from vulvar cancer in the U.S.
Risk Factors
Age is a major risk factor of vulvar cancer. Almost 85 percent of women with vulvar cancer are over the
age of 50 and half are over the age of 70 at the time of their first diagnosis. In younger women, the HPV
infection is a major risk factor for vulvar cancer. Other factors that may increase a women’s chance of
developing vulvar cancer include:
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Smoking
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Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
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Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
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Lichen sclerosus (LSA)
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Chronic use of immunosuppressive medications
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Other genital cancers such as cervical, vaginal or anal cancers
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Melanoma or atypical moles on non-vulvar skin
Prevention
Besides avoiding controllable risk factors, women should have regular physical checkups, pelvic
examinations and routine Pap tests to ensure the health of their reproductive systems. Women can also
prevent the onset of vulvar cancer by routinely checking their vulva (with a mirror) for the presence of
irregular growths and seeking treatment for any lesion which could be the precursor to vulvar cancer,
vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). The HPV vaccine has also been shown to decrease pre-cancers of
the vulva especially when given before first HPV exposure.
Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of vulvar cancer:
- Constant itching
- Changes in the color and appearance or the vulva or a sore on the vulva that won't heal
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge
- Severe burning, itching or pain
- Any change in size, color or texture of a birthmark or mole in the vulvar area
Diagnosis
If symptoms arise or cancer is suspected from a pelvic examination or Pap test, a biopsy is usually
performed where a section of tissue is removed for examination in a laboratory by a pathologist.
Treatment
Treatment for patients with vulvar cancer include surgery to excise the abnormal area, termed a wide
local excision, or a vulvectomy. Radiation therapy may be used as an adjunct to surgery. Occasionally
chemotherapy with radiation is used prior to surgery to shrink the tumor.