Vulvar Cancer Facts
Nearly 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer, usually found in the labia minora or clitoris. Other types of vulvar cancer include:
- adenocarcinoma
- invasive Paget's disease
- sarcomas
- verrucous carcinoma
- basal cell carcinoma
Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of vulvar cancer. However, you may experience symptoms differently from other women. Symptoms may include:
- constant itching
- changes in the color and the way the vulva looks
- bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation
- severe burning, itching, or pain
- skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough
The symptoms of vulvar cancer may resemble other medical conditions or problems. As with any suspected medical condition, it is important that you consult your physician for assessment and diagnosis.
Risk factors
The following have been suggested as risk factors for vulvar cancer:
- age - of the women who develop vulvar cancer, over 80 percent are over age 50, and half are over age 70
- infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- lichen sclerosus - can cause the vulval skin to become very itchy and may slightly increase the possibility of vulvar cancer
- melanoma or atypical moles on non-vulvar skin - a family history of melanoma and dysplastic nevi anywhere on the body may increase the risk of vulvar cancer
- vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) - there is an increased risk for vulvar cancer in women with VIN, although most cases do not progress to cancer
- other genital cancers
- smoking
Prevention
The cause of vulvar cancer is not known at this time, however, certain risk factors are suspected as contributors to the development of the disease. Suggestions for prevention include:
- Avoid known risk factors when possible
- Delay onset of sexual activity
- Use condoms. Research shows that condoms may protect against HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases that are transmitted through body fluids. However, condoms will not protect against infection with HPV since this infection is transmitted by skin-to-skin contact
- Do not smoke
- Have regular physical checkups
- Have routine Pap tests and pelvic examinations
- Routinely check entire body for irregular growth of moles
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of vulvar cancer is confirmed only by a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.
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