vulva cancer

Vulvar Cancer: A Rare but Serious Condition

Vulvar cancer, also known as vulval cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the outer surface of the vulva, which is the external part of the female genital organs. According to various sources [1][2], only about 6,400 new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Causes and Symptoms

The exact cause of vulvar cancer is not known, but it is often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection [3]. Common symptoms include changes in vulvar skin color, itching, and lumps or open sores on the vulva. In some cases, a lump or sore may be present on either side of the opening to the vagina, which can be a sign of Bartholin gland carcinoma [9].

Types and Stages

Vulvar cancer starts in the cells of the vulva and can grow into and destroy nearby tissue, forming a malignant tumor [6]. It is a rare cancer that starts in the tissues of the vulva, affecting the external genitalia [7]. Doctors diagnose vulvar cancer by taking a sample of the abnormal skin and examining it (biopsy) to determine whether the abnormal growth is cancerous [8].

Key Statistics

• Vulvar cancer affects only about 6,400 women in the United States each year.
• Symptoms include changes in vulvar skin color, itching, lumps or open sores on the vulva.
• HPV infection is a common risk factor for vulvar cancer.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 1 [3] Context result 2 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [8] Context result 8 [9] Context result 9

Common Signs and Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer, also known as vaginal cancer, can manifest in various ways. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Skin changes: The first noticeable signs of vulvar cancer are usually skin changes on the outer lips (labia majora) or inner lips (labia minora). These changes can include redness, itching, or thickening of the skin [2].
• Lumps and bumps: A bump or lump, which could be red, pink, or white and could have a wart-like or raw surface or feel rough or thick [3].
• Itching and burning: Severe itching, burning, and pain on the vulva are common symptoms of vulvar cancer. This discomfort can persist for more than 1-2 weeks [6].
• Wart-like growths: Wart-like growths on the vulva can be a sign of vulvar cancer [5].
• Thickened skin patches: Raised and thickened patches of skin that can be red, pink, or white are also indicative of vulvar cancer [9].

Other symptoms

In addition to these common signs and symptoms, other indicators of vulvar cancer include:

• Bleeding in the genital area not related to menstruation
• A lump, wart-like bump, or open sore on the vulva
• Chronic itching that doesn't go away

It's essential to note that some women may experience no symptoms at all until the cancer has advanced. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] Oct 9, 2024 - Symptoms · A lump, wartlike bump or an open sore on the vulva. [2] by I Stage — The first noticeable signs of vulvar cancer are usually skin changes on your outer lips (labia majora) or inner lips (labia minora). [3] Jan 16, 2018 - A bump or lump, which could be red, pink, or white and could have a wart-like or raw surface or feel rough or thick. [5] Aug 14, 2024 - Vulvar cancer signs and symptoms · itching, burning and soreness or pain in the vulva · a lump, sore, swelling or wart-like growth on the vulva. [6] Nov 8, 2024 - Vulvar Cancer Symptoms · Chronic itching (more than 1-2 weeks) · Skin that appears different than usual — different colors (red, pink, black, ... [7] Symptoms of vulvar cancer · itching, soreness, burning, tingling sensation or pain in the vulva that doesn't go away · wart-like growths on the vulva · thickened ... [8] In addition to typical vulvar cancer symptoms—skin changes, sores, lumps, itching, pain and vaginal bleeding—the signs of vulvar melanoma can include changes in ... [9] Symptoms of vulval cancer · a persistent itch in the vulva · pain, soreness or tenderness in the vulva · raised and thickened patches of skin that can be red, ...

Diagnostic Tests for Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the vulvar region.

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical exam is conducted by a gynecologic oncologist or a healthcare provider to check for any abnormalities in the vulva, including changes in skin color, itching, lumps, or open sores. [8]
• Colposcopy: A colposcope is used to magnify the vulvar area and identify any abnormal cell growths. [2]
• Biopsy: A biopsy is considered the best way to diagnose vulvar cancer. A tissue sample is taken from the affected area and sent to a laboratory for testing. [9]
• Imaging Scans: Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or X-rays may be ordered to check for signs of cancer in lymph nodes or other organs. [7]

In addition to these diagnostic tests, your healthcare provider will also review your entire medical history and perform a physical examination, including a pelvic examination, to determine the best course of action. [10]

It's essential to note that screening tests are used to look for diseases before symptoms appear, while diagnostic tests are used when symptoms are present. [5]

Treatment Options for Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer, also known as vulval cancer, can be treated using various methods, including drug treatment. Here are some common drugs used to treat this type of cancer:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a common treatment for vulval cancer. It involves the use of strong medicines to kill cancer cells. Many chemotherapy medicines exist, and most are given through a vein (1). Common chemotherapy drugs include cisplatin with or without fluorouracil (5-FU), mitomycin, and others (2).
• Imiquimod: Imiquimod is an immune response modifier used to treat vulvar lesions. It is applied to the skin in a cream form (4). This treatment is often used for early-stage vulvar cancer.
• Cisplatin with or without fluorouracil (5-FU): Cisplatin with or without fluorouracil (5-FU) is a common chemotherapy combination used to treat vulval cancer. It involves the use of cisplatin and 5-FU to kill cancer cells (2).
• Mitomycin: Mitomycin is another chemotherapy drug that can be used to treat vulval cancer. It is often used in combination with other treatments.

Follow-up Care

After treatment, it's essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and watch for any signs of recurrence (5).

References:

• [1] Chemotherapy treats cancer with strong medicines. Many chemotherapy medicines exist. Most chemotherapy medicines are given through a vein.
• [2] Jan 16, 2018 — Drugs most often used in treating vulvar cancer include cisplatin with or without fluorouracil (5-FU). Another chemo drug, mitomycin, is less ...
• [4] Sep 18, 2024 — Imiquimod is an immune response modifier used to treat vulvar lesions and is applied to the skin in a cream.
• [5] by I Stage — Imiquimod cream (Aldara®, Zyclara®) is a common immunotherapy medication used to treat vulvar cancer. What follow-up should I expect after vulvar cancer ...

The differential diagnosis of vulvar cancer involves considering various conditions that can present with similar symptoms to vulvar cancer. According to search results, the following are some of the possible differential diagnoses:

• Viral wart: A common condition caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which can cause lesions on the vulva [1].
• Seborrheic keratosis: A benign skin growth that can appear as a brown or black spot on the vulva [3].
• Vulval cyst or abscess: A fluid-filled sac or collection of pus in the vulvar tissue, which can cause swelling and pain [3].
• Benign melanocytic naevus: A type of mole that is usually harmless but can be mistaken for a cancerous lesion [3].
• Lichen sclerosus: An inflammatory skin condition that can cause thinning and whitening of the vulvar skin, which can be mistaken for vulvar cancer [6].
• Squamous intraepithelial lesions: Abnormal cells on the surface of the vulva that can develop into cancer if left untreated [6].
• Postinflammatory hypopigmentation: A condition where there is a loss of pigment in the skin after an inflammatory reaction, which can be mistaken for a cancerous lesion [6].
• Vitiligo: An autoimmune disease that causes white patches on the skin, including the vulva [6].

It's essential to note that only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose vulvar cancer through a physical examination and further diagnostic tests. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that may be related to vulvar cancer, it's crucial to consult with a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

References: [1] - Search result 4 [2] - Not applicable (no relevant information) [3] - Search result 3 [6] - Search result 6