This is the cancer that forms in vulva, the external genital organs in females. These include opening to the vagina, vaginal lips, and clitoris. According to an estimate, in U.S there were 3,900 new cases observed in the 2010 that caused 920 deaths. It is a malignant invasive type of cancer that comprises about 4 % of all gynecological cancers and occurs more women with old age than in the younger ones.
Types
Vulvar cancer has these types:
Most of the vulvar cancers are caused by squamous cell carcinoma (about 90 %). It is formed in epidermis of the vulva tissues in female body. Other areas that are affected are, the clitoris, fourchette and local glands. Although it is usually affects older women, but younger females with risk factors can also get this disease. The treatment in elderly woman may be complicated owing to other health problems.
Melanoma
Vulvar melanoma mostly affects young women and comprises of about 5 % of all vulvar cancer. Unlike squamous cell carcinoma, there is a higher risk of metastasis in females affected by this type of Cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma
This type of vulvar cancer is rare and affects only 1 to 2 % of the females that suffer from this kind of cancer. Like squamous cell carcinoma, it affects elderly women. This is a slowly growing lesion and behaves similar to basal cell carcinoma in other locations, as it grows locally. There is lower deep invasions and less chances of metastasis.
Sarcoma or adenocarcinoma can also cause vulvar cancer.
Symptoms
Vulvar cancer shows these symptoms:
Vulvar cancer is treated with:
Types
Vulvar cancer has these types:
- Squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Basal cell carcinoma
Most of the vulvar cancers are caused by squamous cell carcinoma (about 90 %). It is formed in epidermis of the vulva tissues in female body. Other areas that are affected are, the clitoris, fourchette and local glands. Although it is usually affects older women, but younger females with risk factors can also get this disease. The treatment in elderly woman may be complicated owing to other health problems.
Melanoma
Vulvar melanoma mostly affects young women and comprises of about 5 % of all vulvar cancer. Unlike squamous cell carcinoma, there is a higher risk of metastasis in females affected by this type of Cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma
This type of vulvar cancer is rare and affects only 1 to 2 % of the females that suffer from this kind of cancer. Like squamous cell carcinoma, it affects elderly women. This is a slowly growing lesion and behaves similar to basal cell carcinoma in other locations, as it grows locally. There is lower deep invasions and less chances of metastasis.
Sarcoma or adenocarcinoma can also cause vulvar cancer.
Symptoms
Vulvar cancer shows these symptoms:
- Lump or ulceration
- Irritation and itching
- Bleeding and discharge
- Pain in the affected area
- Dysuria
- Discoloration
- Syspareunia
Vulvar cancer is treated with:
- Surgery
- Edema
- Thrombosis
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
