Cancer of the vulva is a disease that occurs in women and is caused by cancerous cells in the vulva growing outside the normal range. The vulva is the name given to the outer part and layer of the genital area of women. The disease, which is among the types of cancer seen in women, can be treated when diagnosed early. Due to its structure, it is more sensitive than other parts of the body. Many women may experience pain in this area from time to time and cancer cases can be observed.
In cases of cancer, the disease affects the labia, clitoris and the area between the vagina and anus. Although it is rare, in some cases cancer cells can be seen in many areas. While the pain experienced by women during menstrual periods is considered normal, it is recommended to see a doctor in case of any pain that may occur outside of menstrual periods.
What Causes Vulva Cancer? What are the Types?
Cancer is caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the body as a result of mutation. Cells in almost all parts of the body have the risk of turning into cancer and can spread to different areas.
It is known as squamous epithelial cell cancer, which is common among cancer types. Other types include melanoma, adenocarcinoma, basal cell cancer, soft tissue cancer (sarcoma) and Paget's disease.
Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, there may be some factors that increase the likelihood of developing cancer. The factors that cause vulvar cancer can be listed as follows:
- Increased likelihood of cancer with advancing age
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is a condition where the cells are in an abnormal state, increasing the risk of developing into cancer.
- The HPV virus, also known as human papillomavirus, is transmitted during sexual intercourse
- Cigarette consumption
- HIV virus
What are the symptoms of vulvar cancer?
Cancer may initially progress mildly and show no symptoms. However, some symptoms may appear in the later stages. Except for severe bleeding, the disease, which does not manifest itself in the early stages, can be noticed after a year or two. It can be detected when people consult a specialist after long-term itching and non-healing wounds in the groin areas.
Thesymptoms of vulvar cancer are as follows:
- Long-lasting itching
- Sensitivity to pain and suffering
- Colored spots on the skin
- Growths like bumps or warts
- Changing the shape or color of the mole
- Open wound that won't go away
In addition, women may experience bleeding or spotting in the genital area during menstruation. Women may experience a burning sensation during urination.
In case of the above symptoms or an unexpected difference in the genital area, it is recommended to see a specialist immediately.
Who is in the risk group for vulvar cancer?
It is a type of cancer that is less common than other types of cancer. It is mostly seen in women who have completed menopause. Mostly women between the ages of 60-75 are in the risk group.
Its occurrence in younger women is usually caused by HPV infection. The type of cancer associated with HPV can be seen mostly in women under the age of 45. Doctors think that the treatment methods for the two groups should be different.
What is HPV-associated vulvar cancer?
Most cases are caused by HPV infection. HPV is a common virus that can be transmitted through sexual intercourse and can cause infection. Many men and women who have a lot of sexual intercourse have been exposed to this virus.
In addition, most of these people develop immunity and the virus is inactivated. Types of HPV virus can also cause cancer. However, this does not mean that every person who is infected will develop cancer. It is only a risk factor.
Cancer associated and linked to HPV can develop in many places. Cancer that can develop due to HPV infection can occur in association with cancers of the cervix, vagina or anal cancers.
How is vulvar cancer diagnosed?
The cases are first examined and detailed information about the disease history is obtained. Depending on what the doctor deems necessary, a biopsy sample may be requested. There are a number of methods and tests applied for the diagnosis of vulvar cancer.
It is a physical examination performed by a specialist doctor in order to understand and determine the abnormalities in the region with the examination of the vulva.
There are some special devices used to examine the area. A device in the form of a magnifying glass is used for closer examination of abnormalities with colposcopy examination.
A biopsy is performed with a tissue sample taken from the area to understand and diagnose whether the suspected area is cancerous.
If cancer is diagnosed, there are also tests to determine the extent and stage of the disease.
The specialist will examine the pelvic area for cancer risk and conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether the cancer has spread.
There are also a number of imaging techniques. These are techniques such as X-rays, CT, MRI or PET scans to see if the cancer has spread to the breast or abdomen.
What are the stages of vulvar cancer?
There are 4 stages of cancer. Since early diagnosis increases the cure rate of the disease, it is important to make urgent medical intervention as soon as symptoms appear.
In the first stage, the superficial cancer has not metastasized and is only seen in the layer of the genital area.
In the second stage, the cancer spreads to the surrounding tissues and infects the lower part of the vagina and the anus.
In the third stage, the lymph nodes in the area are affected. In the fourth stage, which is the last stage, cancer spreads to different parts of the body and increases.
How is vulvar cancer treated?
The treatment of vulvar cancer may differ depending on the stage of the disease, the general health of the person and individual wishes. Generally, surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are applied. Women undergoing cancer treatment can be treated with these applications.
Cancer is usually treated by surgically removing the tumor and surrounding healthy tissue. There may be some cases that require removal of the lymph nodes in the groin. Depending on the stage and condition of the cancer, the entire area may also be removed.
After the surgical intervention, chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both of these treatments can be applied together, depending on the tests and findings. In some cases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be applied before surgical intervention to reduce the size of the tumor.
When cancer is detected early and treatment is started immediately, the cure rate can be one hundred percent. Even after successful treatment, there is a possibility that the cancer may develop again. In this case, it is recommended to have regular gynecological examinations and not to neglect them.
Side Effects of Vulvar Cancer Treatment
People may experience some side effects as a result of surgical intervention and radiation exposure. Since the intervened and radiation-exposed areas are close to each other, it may cause damage in surgical intervention or radiation applications.
Among the side effects; irritation in the intestine and bladder, increased bowel movements and increased urination can be seen. These problems usually resolve within a few weeks after the end of treatment. However, in some people the situation is different and may take longer.
Side effects that may occur in radiotherapy treatment application; pain around the area, diarrhea, fatigue and weakness, hair loss in the groin, swelling of the area, vaginal narrowing, inflammation in the bladder can be seen.
Side effects that can be seen in chemotherapy applications; fatigue, stomach problems or vomiting, hair loss, mouth ulcers, increased possibility of infection.
How to Prevent Vulvar Cancer?
To prevent cancer, the person should keep the immune system strong. While conditions that weaken the immune system, such as smoking, can increase the risk of getting cancer, the risk of cancer is less in non-smokers.
People who are sexually active can also reduce their exposure to HPV by reducing the number of partners and using contraception such as condoms during intercourse. However, it may be possible to prevent HPV-related cancer.
Since PAP smears and pelvic examinations are important for the early detection of cancer, regular gynecological examinations are recommended. In addition, the HPV vaccine reduces the chance of developing cancer.