1. Women and Vulva Cancer
The vulva is the skin and fatty type of tissue area located about an inch or so below the pubic hairline to the anus. This cancer usually affects the skin folds around the vagina called the labia. This area is mostly epithelial skin, which makes this cancer a type of skin cancer.
2. Occurrence and Cure Rates
Cancer of the vulva can affect a woman's sexual function. It is most common in postmenopausal women between the ages of 65 and 75, but it has occurred in woman 40 and younger. This type of cancer may be associated with genital warts caused by HPV (human papilloma virus). If found in the early stages, the condition offers a high cure rate and allows for treatment options that don't require traumatic surgical intervention.
3. Risk Factors for Developing Vulva Cancer
In addition to age, presence of prior cervical cancer, multiple sexual partners, infection with HPV types, presence of other sexually transmitted diseases and immunodeficiency are also key risk factors in developing vulva cancer.
4. Warning Signs
Symptoms include vulva itching lasting more than a few weeks, a blister, lump or sore on the vulva that does not get better, bleeding and/or burning in the vulva area and a change in the size or color of a mole or skin mark in the area, If you notice any of these symptoms, ask your doctor to assess possible treatment or removal.
5. Screening, Diagnosing and Treating Vulva Cancer
Undergo a thorough gynecological exam. Your doctor may take a small sample of the tissue in the involved area and send it for biopsy. You may be under a local anesthetic so doctors can obtain a larger piece of tissue for testing. Approximately 23% of all women who have vulva cancer may also have cervical cancer, making a pap smear a required screening tool. Treatment for this type of cancer includes surgery, radiation and in some cases, chemotherapy which can be used in various combinations. Early detection and treatment are the keys to having a successful treatment outcome.
