What Is Vulvar Cancer? External Genital Area Cancer

What Is Vulvar Cancer: Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the external female genital area. The vulva covers the area including the clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora. Abnormal cell growth developing in this sensitive area is the main cause of vulvar cancer.Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer, but it can pose a life-threatening risk if not diagnosed early. Although it is mostly seen in women over the age of 60, it can occur at any age. Since vulvar cancer usually does not show symptoms in its early stages, regular gynecological examination is of great importance.Vulvar cancer has many subtypes. The most common are squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Other types include adenocarcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Paget’s disease. Each type has its own specific symptoms, risk factors, and treatment methods.

Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

It is common for vulvar cancer not to show symptoms in its early stages. However, over time, the following symptoms may appear:

• Persistent swelling, hardness, or mass in the vulva
• Itching, burning, or pain in the vulva
• Redness or color change in the vulva
• Bleeding or discharge from the vulva
• Swelling or pain in the groin area

These symptoms may also result from other disorders. However, you should take any change in the vulvar area seriously and consult a gynecologist.

Causes of Vulvar Cancer

Although the exact causes of vulvar cancer are unknown, some risk factors have been identified:

1. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Infection: It is the biggest cause of squamous cell carcinoma.
2. Age: The risk increases in women over the age of 60.
3. Weak Immune System: Immune system suppression after HIV/AIDS or organ transplantation increases the risk.
4. Smoking: Nicotine and other harmful substances may cause cell damage.
5. Chronic Disorders: Chronic vulvar diseases such as lichen sclerosus may pose a risk.

Risk Factors for Vulvar Cancer

Factors that increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer are as follows:

• Age: The risk is higher in women over the age of 60.
• HPV Infection: Especially HPV 16 and 18 strains may cause vulvar cancer.
• Smoking: Nicotine and other harmful substances cause cell damage.
• Weak Immune System: Immune system suppression after HIV/AIDS or organ transplantation increases the risk.
• Chronic Vulvar Disorders: Chronic diseases such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus pose a risk.
• Obesity: Excess weight may increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer.
• History of Radiation Therapy: Having previously received radiation therapy increases the risk.

How Is Vulvar Cancer Diagnosed?

Vulvar cancer is diagnosed by the following methods:

1. Physical Examination: Your gynecologist examines the vulvar area visually and manually.
2. Colposcopy: The vulva and vaginal tissues are examined with the help of a microscope.
3. Biopsy: A suspicious tissue sample is taken and sent for pathological examination.
4. Imaging Methods: Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans may be performed.

Treatment of Vulvar Cancer

The treatment of vulvar cancer is determined according to the type and stage of the cancer and the patient’s general health condition. Treatment options are as follows:

1. Surgery: It is the most common treatment method for vulvar cancer. Depending on the extent of the spread of the cancer, vulvectomy (partial or complete removal of the vulva) or lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes) may be performed.
2. Radiotherapy: It aims to destroy cancer cells by using high-energy radiation. It may be applied after surgery or alone.
3. Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells are used. It is usually applied together with surgery or radiotherapy.
4. Immunotherapy: It targets cancer cells by strengthening the immune system. In some cases, it may be given together with chemotherapy.
5. Targeted Therapies: Drugs focusing on specific gene mutations or protein changes are used.

Treatment options may be applied alone or in combination according to the patient’s condition.

How Is Vulvar Cancer Surgery Performed?

Vulvar cancer surgery varies depending on the type and stage of the cancer. The main types of surgery are as follows:

1. Simple Vulvectomy: It is the removal of only part of the vulva. It is preferred in early-stage cancers.
2. Radical Vulvectomy: It is the removal of the entire vulva, the clitoris, and part of the labia majora. It is applied in advanced-stage cancers.
3. Lymph Node Dissection: It is the removal of the lymph nodes in the groin area. It is performed to determine the risk of cancer spread.
4. Reconstructive Surgery: It is the procedure of reshaping the vulvar area. It may be required in major tissue losses.

You should get detailed information from your doctor about preoperative preparation, anesthesia application, and the recovery process.

Recovery Process After Vulvar Cancer

The recovery process after vulvar cancer surgery varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient’s general health condition. The typical recovery process is as follows:

1. Hospital Stay: You may need to stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery.
2. Pain and Swelling: It is normal to have pain and swelling in the surgical area. You may use the painkillers recommended by your doctor.
3. Wound Care: It is important to keep the surgical area clean and dry. You should follow your doctor’s instructions.
4. Rest: During the recovery process, you should take care to rest and avoid physical activity.
5. Follow-Up Examinations: The recovery process will be monitored with regular check-ups and tests.
6. Psychological Support: You may need psychological support after surgery.

The recovery process may show individual differences. By following your doctor’s recommendations, you can recover in the healthiest way.

Preventive Recommendations for Vulvar Cancer

It is important to pay attention to the following recommendations to prevent vulvar cancer:

1. Get the HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of vulvar cancer. It is recommended that you get vaccinated within the recommended age range.
2. Do Not Smoke: Smoking increases the risk of vulvar cancer. It is recommended that you quit smoking.
3. Have Regular Gynecological Examinations: Early diagnosis increases the chance of treatment success. You should have regular gynecological check-ups.
4. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management may reduce the risk of cancer by protecting your overall health.
5. Pay Attention to Hygiene Rules: It is important to keep the vulvar area clean and dry. You should use appropriate hygiene products.
6. Have Chronic Disorders Treated: Treatment of chronic vulvar diseases such as lichen sclerosus may reduce the risk of cancer.

Vulvar cancer is a preventable disease. You can minimize the risks by taking early diagnosis and appropriate precautions.

Things to Know About Vulvar Cancer

The important points to know about vulvar cancer are as follows:

• Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer, but it can pose a life-threatening risk if not diagnosed early.
• The most common types of vulvar cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
• Age, HPV infection, smoking, weak immune system, and chronic vulvar disorders are among the risk factors.
• It usually does not show symptoms in the early stages, but in advanced stages symptoms such as swelling, itching, and bleeding may occur.
• Physical examination, colposcopy, biopsy, and imaging methods are used for diagnosis.
• Treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Vulvar cancer surgeries are performed as vulvectomy and lymph node dissection.
• The postoperative recovery process varies according to the patient’s condition.
• HPV vaccination, not smoking, regular gynecological examination, and a healthy lifestyle help prevent vulvar cancer.

Can Vulvar Cancer Be Detected in a Smear Test?

Smear test is a method used for cervix (cervical) cancer screening. It is not a direct screening method for vulvar cancer. However, during the smear test, your gynecologist may also visually examine the vulvar area.If abnormal changes in the vulvar area are noticed during the smear test, further examinations are required. In this case, your gynecologist may request additional tests such as colposcopy or biopsy.Regular gynecological examinations may help with the early diagnosis of vulvar cancer. Examination of the vulvar area during the smear test may allow possible abnormalities to be detected.

Vulvar Cancer and Pain

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the outer part of the female reproductive system, and pain may be an important symptom of this disease. In the early stages of the disease, mild discomforts such as itching or a burning sensation in the vulva may be seen. However, as the cancer progresses, the pain becomes more pronounced and its character may change. Symptoms such as continuous or intermittent pain in the vulva, tenderness, burning or pain while urinating, and pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) may occur. In advanced stages, pain may intensify due to the growth of the tumor and its spread to surrounding tissues and may significantly affect the quality of life. Pain management is an important part of vulvar cancer treatment, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods may be used according to the patient’s condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are of critical importance for both the prognosis of the disease and pain control, so regular gynecological examinations and immediate reporting of any abnormal symptom are important.Vulvar cancer is a disease that can be successfully managed with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Preventive measures such as regular gynecological examinations, healthy lifestyle habits, and HPV vaccination play an important role in reducing the risk of this disease. Being aware of the symptoms and getting medical help immediately in case of any abnormality increases the chance of early diagnosis. Treatment options are determined according to the stage of the disease and the patient’s general health condition and may include methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Fighting vulvar cancer requires not only medical treatment but also a holistic approach to the patient’s physical and emotional needs. In this process, being guided by an expert healthcare team is of great importance. Fertijin, a center specialized in gynecological health and vulvar cancer, offers comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up services. If you have any concerns about your health or would like more information, we recommend that you consult Fertijin’s expert staff.