CANCER OF THE VULVA

Aug.16, 2008 in Women Cancer

By Antin. Vulvar cancer is not a common disease. The cause of vulvar cancer is unknown but there is a weak association with Human PapillomaVirus (HPV).There are two features of vulvar cancer, Premalignant Vulvar Cancer and Invasive Vulvar cancer. The most important feature about vulvar cancers is the premalignant phase.

Premalignant Vulgar Cancer

The most important feature about vulvar cancers is the premalignant phase. It’s has several different names: carcinoma-in-situ, vulvar intraepithelial neoclassic grade III, (VIN III), severe dysplasia and Bowen’s disease. This condition is diagnosed by tissue biopsy and is characterized by a full thickness disorder of maturation of the squamous epithelium. The symptom is itching and burning sensation at vulva and can be present for years. Premalignant Vulvar Cancer often misdiagnosed as a yeast infection, but none of anti-fungal will have been effective. A simple biopsy will confirm the diagnosis.

Invasive Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer usually causes pain, soreness and itching. There is usually an obvious growth on the skin or an ulcerated area. Diagnosis is by simple biopsy. These cancers are usually slow growing and do not spread early. When they do spread it is usually by way of the lymph nodes. The regional lymph nodes are located at the top of the thigh in the groin area. Vulvar cancers are staged by a combination of examination and surgery.

Treatment of Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancers are usually treated by surgery with a radical excision of the cancer and removal of the regional lymph nodes. Surgery for vulvar cancer for cancer that is clearly on only one side and small then only that one side may need to be removed. If the cancer is very large and a radical resection would require removal of the anus, rectum or urethra then primary treatment can be given by radiation to preserve these vital structures. Often when these cancers are being irradiated chemotherapy will also be given to increase the effects of the radiation.

The prognosis is in general good. If the lymph nodes are negative then the chance for a cure is excellent. Even with positive lymph nodes a significant number are cured.