Vulvar Cancer

Cancer is a disease that occurs due to the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells or the abnormal growth of healthy cells. When cancer occurs in the vagina, it is known as vaginal cancer. Vulvar cancer affects the outer surface of the feminine genitalia. The vulva is a type of outer skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina and includes the labia and clitoris. This condition results in the event of tumors, which can appear as if small lumps or lesions. In which there is intense itching also. Although it is not a common type of cancer, it can be successfully detected in the early stages and recovery can be expected.

HPV infection, also known as human papillomavirus, can also lead to this condition. A patient has had cervical cancer before. She has an increased risk of getting vaginal cancer.

What Is Vulvar Cancer?

vaginal cancer is also medically called vulvar cancer. It is a disease that occurs in the outer part of the genital area. The outermost part of the genital area serves to protect the reproductive organ. Simply put, the Outer Genital Area is the protective shield for the reproductive organ. According to a report published in the American Cancer Society, 6,020 American women were diagnosed with wall cancer in 2017, out of which 1,150 women died due to this disease.

However, it is not that wall cancer cannot be treated. If women feel any problem related to the reproductive system, then it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Women can eliminate the disease of vaginal cancer by observing some symptoms, but first, it is important to understand the different types of vulvar cancer.

What are the types of vulvar cancer?

• Squamous cell carcinoma – The term squamous cell carcinoma is given to vulvar cancer that occurs in the outermost layer of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma is very difficult to understand in the early days.
• Vulvar melanoma – Dark patches indicate vulvar cancer. Vulvar melanoma can also target other organs of the body, which is called metastasis. This problem can occur as you get older.
• Adenocarcinoma– When the mucus-producing gland cells inside the body start producing, it is termed adenocarcinoma.
• Sarcoma – When the tissues start joining together and the tumors formed there are called sarcoma. It is considered rare cancer.
• Verrucous carcinoma – This is a type of squamous cell carcinoma and it develops slowly like a wart.

These are its different types and now in the article, we will understand the symptoms of vulvar cancer.

What are the causes of vulvar cancer?

When the cells present in the body start growing rapidly, lumps and tumors start to form. Although some lumps and tumors are not cancerous, they can also be cancerous due to some reasons, starting with vulvar cancer or any other cancer problem. Apart from this, the following causes of vulval cancer can be vulval cancer. like:

1. The age of the woman should be more than 70 years.
2. Having problems with HIV or AIDS.
3. Having human papillomavirus (HPV).
4. Melanoma or abnormal moles.
5. Someone in the family has melanoma.
6. Having Vaginal or Cervical cancer.
7. Lichen sclerosis means skin problems.
8. Smoking (in addition to being a problem of HPV, smoking is more harmful).

Apart from these above-mentioned reasons, there can be other causes of vulvar cancer as well.

What are the symptoms of vulvar cancer?

The symptoms of vulvar cancer are as follows. like:

1. Itching in the genital area or there is always the problem of itching.
2. Having extreme pain.
3. Vaginal bleeding (this is not menstruation bleeding).
4. Change in skin color.
5. Lump or Itching on Vaginal Lips.
6. Feeling pain while toileting.

The symptoms of different vaginal cancer can also be different and in some cases, the symptoms are not understood immediately. Therefore, women need to be more vigilant about their health.

What are the stages of vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer occurs in the following stages. like:

• Stage 0 or carcinoma in situ– When vulvar cancer is in stage 0, it occurs only on the upper surface of the skin.
• 1 Stage- In this stage, the cancer is in the vulva or perineum.
• Stage 2– The size of a cancerous tumor in this stage can be up to 2 cm.
• 3 Stage- In this stage, the cancerous tissue reaches the anus or vagina and spreads to the lymph nodes.
• Stage 4– If wall cancer reaches stage 4, it means it has spread to the bowel, bladder, and urethra.

vaginal cancer is treated keeping these stages in mind.

According to the report published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), even after the treatment of vaginal cancer, the doctor should be consulted from time to time, because there is a risk of recurrence of vulvar cancer after recovery.

How is vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?

Vulvar cancer is diagnosed by the following tests, which are as follows-

• Medical History – First of all, the doctor will ask the patient the medical history of the patient. Along with this, you would also like to know how the lifestyle is.
• Pelvic exam – During this, Uterus, Vagina, Ovaries, Bladder, and Rectum are examined.
• Colposcopy– This procedure is also called colposcopy. During this, the vaginal area is closely examined.
• Biopsy – Biopsy of the tissue of the affected area is done.
• Imaging tests – During this test, X-rays, CT scans, PET tests (PET), and MRI can also be done, to see how much cancer has spread. information is received.

The treatment is started keeping in mind these test reports and the health condition of the patient. If necessary, other tests may be advised in addition to the above-mentioned tests.

How is Vulvar Cancer Treated?

Vulvar cancer can be treated in the following way. like:

• Surgery– Vulvar cancer is mainly treated with the help of surgery. Cancerous tumors are removed with the help of surgery. vaginal cancer surgery is done in different ways. like:
• Laser surgery– The tumor is removed with the help of a laser beam.
• Excision – During this, along with the removal of cancerous cells, some non-cancerous cells are also removed.
• Skinning vulvectomy – During this, the top layer of skin is removed, where cancer begins to form.
• Radical vulvectomy – During this surgery, the vulva is removed.
• Radiation therapy – There are different types of radiotherapy. Radiation therapy can be taken to remove the lymph nodes. There may be more than one session of radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy – Help of chemotherapy can be taken to treat vulvar cancer. Sometimes during cancer treatment, along with chemotherapy, help of radiation therapy can also be taken.
• Biologic therapy – The help of biologic therapy is taken in the treatment of vulvar cancer. Biologic therapy is primarily used to treat cancer or other infectious diseases.

How is it possible to prevent wall cancer?

To prevent vulvar cancer, always keep these 4 things in mind. like:

1. Always choose the option of safe sex.
2. Cervical Smear Tests have been done from time to time.
3. Get HPV vaccination done so as not to be a victim of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
4. Don’t do smoking.

Conclusion

If you want to know the answer to any question related to vaginal Cancer, then you can ask us by writing in the comment box. Our health experts will try to answer your questions. However, if you are suffering from vaginal cancer, consult a doctor, because, in such a situation, the doctor will start treatment as soon as possible keeping in mind your health condition and understanding the symptoms of vulvar cancer.