Vulva cancer, usually a skin cancer, develops in the area around the female genital organs.
- The cancer may appear to be a lump, an itchy area, or a sore that does not heal.
- The most common sites are the inner edges of the outer lips (labia majora) and the inner lips (labia minora).
Signs and Symptoms
- A lasting itch
- Pain or soreness
- Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva
- An open sore or growth visible on the skin
- Burning pain when you pass urine
- Vaginal watery discharge or bleeding
- A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
- A lump or swelling in the vulva
Risk Factors
- Older age
- Precancerous changes (dysplasia) in vulva tissues
- Lichen sclerosus, which causes persistent itching and scarring of the vulva
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Cancer of the vagina or cervix
- Heavy cigarette smoking
- Chronic granulomatous disease (a hereditary disease that impairs the immune system)
Diagnosis
- Biopsy-The biopsy enables doctors to determine whether the abnormal skin is cancerous or just infected or irritated. The type of cancer, if present, can also be identified, helping doctors develop a treatment plan. If the skin abnormalities are not well-defined, doctors apply stains to the abnormal area to help determine where to take a sample of tissue for a biopsy.
- Colposcope- the use of an instrument with binocular magnifying lens to examine the surface of the vulva.
Treatment
- Radiation and chemotherapy-can shrink very large cancers, making them easier to remove.
- Surgery- vulvectomy (removal of the vulva).
Pictures of cancer of the vulva
References:
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/vulvar_cancer.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/vulval-cancer/about/
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Vulva/Vulvalcancer.aspx
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/womens_health_issues/cancers_of_the_female_reproductive_system/vulvar_cancer.html
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-help/type/vulval-cancer/about/
http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancertypes/Vulva/Vulvalcancer.aspx