Cancer - vulva Health Article

Definition

Vulvar cancer is cancer that starts in the vulva, the outside part of the female reproductive system that includes the labia and clitoris. The vulva opens into the vagina.

Alternative Names

Cancer - perineum

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Vulvar cancer most often affects the labia, the folds of skin outside the vagina. In some cases, vulvar cancer may start on the clitoris or in glands on the sides of the vagina opening.

Most vulvar cancers begin in skin cells called squamous cells. The others are classified as:

• Adenocarcinoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Sarcoma

Vulvar cancer is relatively rare. The cause is unknown. A sexually-transmitted disease such as human papilloma virus (HPV, or genital warts) may play a role.

Cancer of the vulva usually occurs after menopause, typically in women age 50 or older. However, 15% of cases occur in women age 40 or younger.

Risk factors include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• History of cervical cancer or vaginal cancer
• HPV infection
• Syphilis infection
• Obesity

Women with a condition called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) have a greater risk of developing vulvar cancer that spreads. However, most cases of VIN never lead to cancer.

Symptoms

• Local itching, pain, burning, bleeding
• Pain with intercourse
• Pain with urination
• Ulcer, thickening or lump
  • Usually on the labia majora
  • May be anywhere on the vulva
• Unusual odor

Nearly 20% of women with vulvar cancer have no symptoms.

Signs and tests

The following are used to diagnose vulvar cancer:

• Biopsy
• Pelvic examination to look for any skin changes

Treatment

Treatment involves surgery to remove the cancer cells. If the tumor is large (more than 2 cm) or has grown deeply into the skin, the lymph nodes in the groin area may also be removed.

Radiation, with or without chemotherapy, may be used to treat advanced tumors or vulvar cancer that comes back.

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.