Vulvar cancer, which is among the cancer types seen in women, can be treated if detected early, as in other cancer types. The outer surface of the female genital area is called the vulva. The vulva is the layer of skin that covers the outer part of the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris.

Vulva is a very sensitive area due to its structure. Sometimes unexplained pain may occur in this region, and even cancer cases can be observed. Many women have faced vulvar pain at some point in their lives. Most of the time, pain can be seen during menstrual periods or during sexual intercourse. Vulvar pains may occur without any reason and may continue for months.

The vulva is more sensitive than other parts of the body. While the pain experienced by many women during the menstrual period is considered normal, it is recommended to go to the doctor for frequent and severe pains that occur outside of these periods.

Reasons

The cause of vulvar cancer is not yet known exactly. Vulvar cancer, like many types of cancer, usually develops due to mutations in cells.

In the vulva, which is called the external genitalia, tumors are most commonly located on the outer lips. Although the factors that cause vulvar cancer are not fully known, it is thought to be caused by the sexually transmitted HPV virus. Considering that HPV is sexually transmitted, it is recommended that children between the ages of 11 and 12 should be vaccinated against HPV. Risk factors thought to cause vulvar cancer can be listed as follows:

advanced age
HPV
Smoking
HIV
Some skin diseases of the vulva

Symptoms

Although vulvar cancer may not reveal itself much at first, it may give some symptoms in the future. This disease, which does not manifest itself in the first place except for severe bleeding, can be noticed after a few years. Vulvar cancer usually occurs when a doctor is consulted after long-lasting itching and persistent sores in the groin area.

Although the vulva is located in the outer part of the body and can be seen, it is among the types of cancer that is diagnosed late. Here, it is important for women to know their bodies well and to examine themselves for early diagnosis. It is very important for them to see a doctor by noticing the swelling and changes in their body and noticing any abnormal or unusual conditions. Symptoms of vulvar cancer are as follows;

abnormal bleeding
Itching in the external genitalia
skin rash
pain when urinating
pain during sexual intercourse
groin pain
non-healing wounds
Itching
Lump or swelling on the outer surface
Combustion
Wart
thickening of the skin

Diagnostic Methods

In the diagnosis of vulvar cancer, first of all, the patient undergoes a physical examination and the patient’s history is taken. A biopsy sample may then be requested by the physician. Biopsy samples are taken from the lesioned tissue on the outer surface of the vagina and sent for examination.

Imaging methods such as computed tomography, PET and MR may also be requested to have information about the size and spread of tumors that are likely to be detected. Again, if the physician deems it appropriate, procedures such as cystoscopy in the bladder and proctoscopy in the large intestine can be performed. In addition, it is investigated whether the patient has HIV or HPV with a whole blood test.

Treatment Methods

As with all types of cancer, the treatment of vulvar cancer also varies depending on the age, condition of the person and the stage of the cancer. Vulvar cancer can be treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or a simultaneous combination of all three.

Surgical

Surgical operation in vulvar cancer may vary according to the area and size of its spread. Vulvar surgery may involve the removal of a specific area or the entire area, depending on the extent and stage of the cancer. In this surgical method, which is usually not very heavy, the patient is discharged after resting in the hospital environment for a few days.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy treatment in vulvar cancer can be performed alone, as well as before or after the surgical procedure. Radiotherapy given before surgery allows the cancer to be reduced and the surgery to be done more easily. After surgery, radiotherapy can be applied to the cancerous area or areas that have spread.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs are also given in certain doses, taking into account the patient’s condition before and after the operation. It is generally used in cases that cannot be treated with radiotherapy and surgical procedures alone. At the same time, treatment methods are applied with low-dose chemotherapy in the initial stages.