The outermost skin layer of the female genital area is called the vulva. Vulvar cancer, a very rare type of cancer, originates in this area (clitoris, labia minora, and vaginal opening). Vulvar cancer is a very dangerous type of cancer that can lead to serious health problems. You can find answers to your questions about vulvar cancer in the rest of this article.
Causes of Vulvar Cancer
Although the exact causes of vulvar cancer are not yet fully known, it is thought that, like many types of cancer, it develops due to mutations in cells. In vulvar cancer, tumors most frequently occur on the outer labia. Unfortunately, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which also increases the risk of cervical cancer, also increases the risk of vulvar cancer. Besides the sexually transmitted HPV virus, advanced age, smoking, HIV, and certain skin diseases affecting the vulva are also risk factors that can cause vulvar cancer.
Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer
- Severe and abnormal bleeding
- Skin rash
- Itching in the external genital area
- Pain while urinating
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Lumps or swellings on the outer surface
- Groin pain
- Wounds that don't heal
- Itching and burning in the genital area.
- Wart
- Skin thickening
Diagnosis and Treatment of Vulvar Cancer
To diagnose vulvar cancer, a physical examination is necessary. During this examination, a patient history is taken. If vulvar cancer is suspected, a biopsy sample may be requested from the lesioned tissue on the outer surface of the vagina. Imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), PET scans, and MRI may also be ordered to detect the cancer and obtain information about the size and spread of the tumors. Procedures such as cystoscopy and proctoscopy (examination of the large intestine), as well as complete blood tests to determine if the patient has HIV or HPV, are also among the diagnostic methods.
Treatment for vulvar cancer varies depending on factors such as the patient's age, health status, and the stage of the cancer. Depending on the extent and stage of the cancer, the patient may undergo surgery involving the removal of a specific area or the entire area. This can be done alone, or radiotherapy may be administered before or after surgery to shrink the cancer and make the operation easier. Another treatment method for vulvar cancer is chemotherapy, which is administered in specific doses before and after surgery, depending on the patient's condition.
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