What is this?
Vulvar cancer
develops in a woman's external genitalia, known as the vulva. This cancer
occurs when cells in the vulva begin to grow uncontrollably. The vulva consists
of:
●
The
inner and outer lips of the vagina
●
The
clitoris, the sensitive tissue located above the vaginal lips
●
The
vaginal opening and its associated glands
●
The
mons pubis, the rounded area in front of the pubic bones that becomes covered
with hair during puberty
Vulvar cancer most
commonly affects the outer vaginal lips, though it can also occur less
frequently in the inner vaginal lips, clitoris, or vaginal glands.
This type of cancer
typically develops slowly over many years. Abnormal cells may grow on the
surface of the vulvar skin for an extended period, a condition known as vulvar
intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Since VIN has the potential to progress into
vulvar cancer, timely treatment is crucial.
Risk Factors:
●
Older
age
●
High-risk
human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
●
Vulvar
intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
●
History
of genital warts
Additional possible
risk factors include:
●
Having
multiple sexual partners
●
Early
age at first sexual intercourse
●
History
of abnormal Pap tests (Pap smears)
Signs and Symptoms:
●
A
lump or growth on the vulva resembling a wart or ulcer
●
Persistent
itching in the vulvar area
●
Bleeding
unrelated to menstruation
●
Pain
in the vulvar area
Treatment:
There are different
types of treatments available for vulvar cancer.
●
Surgery
● Radiation therapy
● Chemotherapy
● Targeted
therapy
● Immunotherapy
●
Surgery
Surgery is the
primary treatment for vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and vulvar cancer.
Various surgical procedures are utilized depending on the condition:
The objective of
surgery is to eliminate all cancerous tissue while preserving sexual function.
Procedures include:
○
Modified Radical Vulvectomy: Removal of most of the vulva, with
possible removal of nearby lymph nodes.
○
Radical Vulvectomy: Complete removal of the vulva, including
nearby lymph nodes.
Prevention:
Preventing vulvar
cancer involves a combination of lifestyle changes, regular medical check-ups,
and being aware of risk factors. Here are key strategies to help prevent vulvar
cancer:
●
Routine
Gynecological Exams: Regular pelvic exams and Pap smears can help detect
abnormal changes early.
●
Self-Examinations:
Being familiar with your own body and regularly checking for any changes or
unusual symptoms in the vulvar area.
●
Human
Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Vaccination against HPV, particularly the strains
associated with cancer, can significantly reduce the risk of vulvar cancer.
●
Reduce
HPV Exposure: Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can help
lower the risk of HPV infection.
●
Regular
Screening for STIs: Early detection and treatment of sexually transmitted
infections can prevent complications.
●
Avoid
Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for many cancers, including vulvar cancer.
Quitting smoking can reduce this risk.
●
Maintain
a Healthy Weight: Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of many cancers,
so maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is beneficial.
●
Control
Diabetes: Proper management of diabetes can help reduce the risk, as
uncontrolled diabetes can be a risk factor.
●
Treatment
of VIN: If vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is diagnosed, timely and
effective treatment can prevent progression to cancer.
●
Education
on Symptoms: Being aware of the symptoms of vulvar cancer, such as persistent
itching, pain, or unusual growths, can lead to early detection and treatment.
●
Awareness
Campaigns: Participating in and supporting awareness campaigns can help spread
knowledge about vulvar cancer prevention and early detection.
●
Balanced
Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and low in processed
foods can support overall health and reduce cancer risk.