1. Women and Vulvar Cancer
The vulva is the skin and fatty type of tissue area in women located about an inch or so below the pubic hairline towards the anus. This particular type of cancer usually affects the skin folds around the vagina called the labia. This area is mostly epithelial skin, which makes this a type of skin cancer.
2. Occurrence and Cure Rates
Cancer of the vulva is not a very typical type of cancer, but it is serious because it can affect the sexual function of a woman. It is most common in postmenopausal women who are 65 to 75 years old, 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, this cancer has a high cure rate and allows for treatment options that are less traumatic than surgical intervention.
3. Risk Factors for Developing Vulvar Cancer
In addition to age, presence of prior cervical cancer, multiple sexual partners, infection with HPV, presence of other sexually transmitted diseases and immunodeficiency are also key risk factors in developing vulvar cancer.
4. Warning Signs
Symptoms include vulvar itching lasting more than a few weeks, a blister, lump or sore on the vulva that will not get better, bleeding and/or burning in the vulvar area as well as a change in size or color of a mole or skin mark in the area, If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor so she can assess possible treatment.
5. Screening, Diagnosing and Treating Vulvar Cancer
Having a thorough and complete gynecological exam is very important. If your doctor suspects there may be an issue to investigate, he may take a small sample of the tissue in the involved area and send it for a biopsy. You may be put under a local anesthetic so the doctor can obtain a larger piece of tissue for testing. Approximately 23 percent of all women who have vulvar cancer may also have cervical cancer, making a pap smear one of the most important screening tools for women. Treatment for this type of cancer includes surgery, radiation and, in some cases, chemotherapy which can be used in various types of combinations. As is seen with other types of cancer, early detection and treatment are key to successful treatment.
