Vulvar cancer, or vulval cancer, is a quite rare type of cancer that affects the vulva, the external genital organs that protect a woman’s reproductive system. The vulva includes the labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoris, the vestibule of the vagina, the bulb of the vestibule, greater and lesser vestibular glands, and vaginal orifice:
Most characteristic symptoms include:
First, the gynaec oncologist will do a thorough examination of the genital area. The examination would include the vulva, perineal area, including the areas around the clitoris and urethra. Doctor might use a magnifying instrument called colposcope to observe the abnormal cells.
If there is ulceration, lump, or a mass that looks suspicious on gynaecological examination, a biopsy is required. Biopsy is performed under local anesthesia. The tissue sample will be sent to a laboratory, and a specialist doctor called a pathologist will examine the cells under a microscope. The pathologist will be able to confirm whether or not the cells are cancerous, and which type of vulvar cancer it is.
This checks the number of cells in blood, and how well the kidneys and liver are working.
A painless scan that produces an image of the lungs./p>
The bladder is examined to determine whether the cancer has spread to that area.
The rectum is examined to check whether the cancer has spread to the rectal wall.
These can help determine whether the cancer has spread, and if so, where to. An MRI or CT scan may be used. X-rays may be used to determine whether the cancer has reached the lungs.
The cancer is limited to the vulva or perineum and is up to 2 centimeters in size.
The same as stage 1, but the tumor is at least 2 centimeters in size.
The cancer has reached nearby tissue, such as the anus or vagina, and it may have reached the lymph nodes.
The cancer has reached the lymph nodes on both sides of the groin, and it may have reached the bowel, the bladder
If diagnosis of vulvar cancer occurs in the early stages, limited surgery is required. At the later stages, and if the cancer has spread to nearby organs, such as the urethra, vagina or rectum, surgery will be more extensive. Types of surgery include
It can shrink deep lesions or tumors before surgery, so they will be easier to remove. It can also treat lymph nodes. It can be used to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
Often used with radiotherapy as part of palliative care. It may be used on the skin, as a cream or lotion, but the method will depend on whether and how far the cancer has spread.
It is a kind of immunotherapy, which uses either synthetic or natural substances to help the body defend itself against cancer. It may be applied topically, as a cream, to treat vulvar cancer.
