vulva carcinoma

Vulvar Carcinoma: A Rare but Treatable Cancer

Vulvar carcinoma, also known as vulvar cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genital organs. It is estimated to represent 0.3% of all new cancer cases in the United States [14]. The most common type of vulvar cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), accounting for about 90% of all vulvar cancers in Australia [9].

Symptoms and Risk Factors

The symptoms of vulvar cancer can include changes in vulvar skin color, itching, lumps or open sores, and bleeding from the vulva [8]. In some cases, women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) may have no symptoms at all, but when present, it is most often itching that does not go away or get better [5].

Risk factors for developing vulvar cancer include increasing age, HPV infection, smoking, inflammatory conditions of the vulva, prior pelvic radiation, and a history of certain types of skin cancers [14].

Types of Vulvar Cancer

There are several different types of vulvar cancer, including:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): The most common type, accounting for about 90% of all vulvar cancers in Australia.
• Melanoma: A rare type of cancer that starts in melanocytes, which are cells that make pigments.

Treatment Options

The main treatment for vulval cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from the vulva and any lymph nodes containing cancerous cells [7]. Some people may also undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy as part of their treatment plan.

References:

[1] Kaufman, D. A. (1965). Premalignant lesions of the vulva. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 91(3), 434-443.

[4] February 16, 2024 - Inner and outer lips of the vagina (labia majora and labia minora) ... Vulvar cancers are most common in the labia majora and labia minora. Most vulva cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, a type of cancer that starts in the skin cells.

[5] Most women with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) have no symptoms at all. When a woman with VIN does have a symptom, it is most often itching that does not go away or get better.

[7] The main treatment for vulval cancer is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from the vulva and any lymph nodes containing cancerous cells.

[8] Vulvar cancer is a cancer of the vulva, the outer portion of the female genitals. It most commonly affects the outer lips of the vagina.

[9] In Australia, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for about 90% of all vulvar cancers.

[10] Anatomy of the vulva and areas where cancer might occur. Image credit: wenzdai figueroa · Vulvar cancer most commonly affects the outer lips of the vagina.

[11] In the United States, cancer of the vulva (vulvar carcinoma) is the fourth most common gynecologic cancer, accounting for 5% of these cancers.

[12] Since Bowen’s 1912 description of squamous intraepithelial lesions, several names have been used. Kaufman (1965) classified premalignant lesions into the following three groups: carcinoma simplex, Queyrat’s erythroplasia, and bowenoid carcinoma in situ [1].

[13] Sep 12, 2024 — Vulvar cancer is a disease in which cells in the vulva grow out of control. The vulva is the outer part of the female genital organs.

[14] Vulvar cancer represents 0.3% of all new cancer cases in the United States. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type, usually diagnosed at ages 65 to 74. Risk factors include increasing age, HPV infection, smoking, inflammatory conditions of the vulva, prior pelvic radiation, and a history of certain types of skin cancers.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Vulvar Carcinoma

Vulvar carcinoma, also known as vulvar cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genital area. The signs and symptoms of vulvar carcinoma can vary from person to person, but here are some common ones:

• Itching: A persistent itch in the vulva is one of the most common symptoms of vulvar carcinoma [1][2].
• Lumps or sores: A lump, wartlike bump, or an open sore on the vulva can be a sign of vulvar cancer [1][4].
• Bleeding: Bleeding in the genital area that isn't related to menstruation or menopause can be a symptom of vulvar carcinoma [1][3].
• Pain: Pain, soreness, burning, tingling sensation, or pain in the vulva that doesn't go away can be a sign of vulvar cancer [2][5][8].
• Skin changes: Changes in skin color, texture, or thickness on the vulva can also be a symptom of vulvar carcinoma [2][6].

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, and not all women with vulvar carcinoma will experience all of them. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Oct 9, 2024 — Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer may include: A lump, wartlike bump or an open sore on the vulva. Bleeding in the genital area that isn't ...

[2] by I Stage — Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer of your vulva. Symptoms include changes in vulvar skin color, itching and lumps or open sores.

[3] Jan 16, 2018 — A lump; Itching; Pain; Bleeding or discharge. Most vulvar melanomas are black or dark brown, but they can be white, pink, red, or ...

[4] Aug 14, 2024 — Vulvar cancer signs and symptoms​​ Symptoms of vulvar cancer may include: itching, burning and soreness or pain in the vulva. a lump, sore, ...

[5] Symptoms of vulvar cancer include severe itching, burning and pain on the vulva. What is vulvar cancer? Anatomy of the female pelvic area. Vulvar cancer occurs ...

[6] 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 ...

[7] 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, ...

[8] 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 ...

Diagnosing Vulvar Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Overview

Vulvar carcinoma, also known as vulvar cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the vulva, which includes the outer lips (labia), inner lips (labia), and clitoris. Diagnosing this condition requires a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests.

Physical Exam and Medical History

A thorough physical exam and discussion of your health history are essential in diagnosing vulvar carcinoma. A special magnifying device may be used to closely inspect the area, and a biopsy is often performed to remove a sample of tissue for testing in a lab [1].

Diagnostic Tests

The following diagnostic tests may be used to diagnose vulvar carcinoma:

• Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam allows a healthcare professional to inspect the reproductive organs. It's often done during a regular checkup, but it might be needed if you have symptoms of vulvar cancer [4].
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the best way to diagnose vulvar cancer. The tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing [9]. A biopsy involves removing a sample of skin from the affected area.
• Colposcopy: A colposcopy may be performed to examine your vulva under a magnifying lens (colposcope) to determine which area should be biopsied [6].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans, may be done after a diagnosis of vulvar cancer to learn more about the cancer and see if it has spread beyond the vagina [11].

Additional Diagnostic Tests

Other diagnostic tests that may be used include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC is a blood test that measures various components in your blood, including red and white blood cells.
• Blood Chemistry Tests: These tests measure the levels of certain substances in your blood to determine if there are any abnormalities.
• Chest X-ray: A chest x-ray may be performed to check for signs of cancer in your lungs.

Conclusion

Diagnosing vulvar carcinoma requires a comprehensive approach, including physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests. A biopsy is the best way to diagnose this condition, and imaging tests may be used to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the vagina. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and management of vulvar carcinoma.

References:

[1] Context 1 [4] Context 4 [6] Context 6 [9] Context 9 [11] Context 11

Chemotherapy for Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer treatment options include various surgical procedures, topical therapy, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy [1]. For women with vulvar cancer, chemotherapy is one of the treatment options that may be used in combination with other therapies.

How Chemotherapy Works

Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping the cells from dividing [10]. It may be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. The goal of chemotherapy is to target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells.

Types of Chemotherapy

The type of chemotherapy used for vulvar cancer treatment depends on various factors, including the stage and size of the tumor [8]. Chemotherapy may be given during radiation therapy to make the treatment more effective. In some cases, chemotherapy may be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies.

Benefits and Risks

While chemotherapy can be an effective treatment for vulvar cancer, it also carries potential risks and side effects. These may include fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and changes to blood cell counts [10]. However, the benefits of chemotherapy often outweigh these risks, especially when used in combination with other therapies.

References:

[1] Sep 18, 2024 — Vulvar cancer treatment options include various surgical procedures, topical therapy, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. [6] Feb 16, 2024 — Vulvar cancer treatment options include a variety of surgical procedures, topical imiquimod, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, ... [10] Feb 27, 2023 — Treatment options for vulval cancer. The main treatment for vulval cancer is surgery. You may also have radiotherapy and chemotherapy. [8] Aug 14, 2024 — For women with vulvar cancer, treatment may be given: during radiation therapy, to make the radiation treatment more effective.

Differential Diagnosis of Vulvar Carcinoma

Vulvar carcinoma, also known as vulvar cancer, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in appearance and symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of vulvar carcinoma includes various lesions and diseases that may mimic the characteristics of cancer.

• Benign Lesions: Several benign lesions can be mistaken for vulvar carcinoma, including:
  • Viral warts [3]
  • Seborrheic keratosis [3]
  • Vulval cyst or abscess [3]
  • Benign melanocytic naevus [3]
• Precancerous Conditions: Certain precancerous conditions can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of vulvar carcinoma, such as:
  • Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) [6]
  • Vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) [9]
• Other Neoplastic Lesions: Other neoplastic lesions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis of vulvar carcinoma include:
  • Melanoma [2]
  • Basal cell carcinoma [2]
  • Bartholin gland adenocarcinoma [2]
  • Sarcoma [2]
  • Paget disease [2]
• Infectious Disease Lesions: Certain infectious disease lesions can also be considered in the differential diagnosis of vulvar carcinoma, such as:
  • Molluscum contagiosum [6]

It is essential to note that a definitive diagnosis of vulvar carcinoma requires histopathological examination and consultation with a specialist.

References:

[1] Oct 18, 2023 — Diagnostic Considerations. Squamous cell carcinoma is the primary vulvar cancer. [2] by JS Berek · Cited by 6 — Other histologies include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, Bartholin gland adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and Paget disease (table 1). [3] What is the differential diagnosis of vulval cancer? ; Viral wart, seborrheic keratosis ; Vulval cyst or abscess ; Benign melanocytic naevus [6] Sep 23, 2024 — Outline · Fordyce spots · Epidermoid cysts · Molluscum contagiosum · Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. [9] by I Alkatout · 2015 · Cited by 293 — Vulvar cancer can be distinguished into two separate diseases: the first type involves a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection that causes vulvar intraepithelial ...