Cancer of the vulva (external genitalia)

Vulvar cancer can affect the clitoris, labia, vestibule of the vagina or the urethra.  Bartholin glands are much less common.

Since the tumor forms on the external genitalia, an experienced oncogynecologist may suspect it at the initial appointment.

The disease mainly affects women over the age of 60, although sometimes the pathology occurs in women of reproductive age.

The most common types of vulvar cancer:

• squamous cell;

• melanoma is a dark–colored tumor with a rapid rate of development;

• basaloid is more common in young women.

Significantly less frequently diagnosed:

• bartholin's gland tumor;

• Paget's cancer;

• adenocarcinoma.

Pathology is divided into 4 stages:

• stage 1: tumor of minimal size – up to 2 cm

• Stage 2: the neoplasm is larger than 2 cm, but still does not extend beyond the vulva. 

• stage 3: cancer affects the urethra, vagina, and lymph nodes on one side.

• Stage 4: metastases appear in the rectum, bladder and other organs.

CAUSES OF VULVAR CANCER

Provoking factors of vulvar cancer formation:

• lichen sclerosis, in which the skin on the vulva and near the anus acquires a whitish coating, thickens and cracks;

• vulvar warts;

• diabetes mellitus of any type;

• leukoplakia, in which dense plaques form on the vulva;

• AIDS;

• obesity;

• smoking.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF VULVAR CANCER

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

• burning or itching in the vulva area, which is especially strongly felt at night and does not go away for a long time, despite conservative treatment;

• irritation of the vulvar mucosa;

• formation of ulcers on the mucous membrane;

• vulvar edema;

• transparent or purulent discharge.

In the later stages of vulvar cancer,:

• clitoral swelling;

• severe bleeding if the tumor is disintegrating;

• discharge accompanied by a pungent unpleasant odor;

• constipation and severe pain during urination;

• pubic swelling.

DIAGNOSIS OF VULVAR CANCER

Cancer is a disease that can progress rapidly and metastasize. The earlier the tumor is diagnosed and measures are taken, the greater the chances of a full recovery.

The EMC clinic has all the conditions for a successful fight against this dangerous disease.

In case of vulvar cancer, the doctor may suspect a tumor at the first examination. To examine atypical areas in detail, a specialist conducts:

• vulvoscopy. The procedure is performed using an optical colposcope device. Under high magnification, the doctor examines the surface of the vulva and its formations.

• ultrasound scan with puncture biopsy under anesthesia or cytological analysis of a smear from the mucous membrane with a tumor.

Additionally, the specialist may prescribe:

• Ultrasound of the pelvis and abdominal cavity;

• Pelvic MRI;

• X-ray examination;

• PET/CT.

According to the results of such a diagnosis, the doctor understands whether the tumor has metastasized and where they are located.

In the advanced stages of the disease, with the rapid spread of metastases, the patient is shown consultations with a proctologist, urologist and other related specialists, as well as cystoscopy (examination of the inner surface of the bladder), rectoromanoscopy (examination of the rectum and lower part of the sigmoid colon) and other studies.

VULVAR CANCER TREATMENT METHODS

The treatment methods for vulvar cancer depend on the stage of the disease.

In the EMC clinic, after a comprehensive examination, specialists choose the most effective method of therapy in each case.

The doctors of our clinic treat a malignant tumor of the vulva using all modern techniques.:

• surgical intervention. Surgery to remove vulvar cancer is called a vulvectomy. Since during such a procedure, some area of the vulva may be removed along with the neoplasm, EMC doctors perform reconstructive plastic surgery if necessary. EMC oncogynecologists use a modern technique for removing sentinel lymph nodes with urgent histological examination.

• chemotherapy. Doctors usually use this method.  as a preparatory stage before surgery, in case of metastasis and in combination with radiation therapy.

• radiation therapy. Like chemotherapy, it is rarely used alone in the treatment of vulvar cancer, except in the late stages. In combination with surgical methods, it gives good results in the fight against the disease and reduces the risk of recurrence.

ADVANTAGES OF CONTACTING THE EMC

• we treat according to modern European and American protocols.

• EMC patients can undergo a comprehensive examination in one medical center as soon as possible.

• the choice of therapy methods for complex cases is carried out at multidisciplinary consultations with oncogynecologists, chemotherapists, radiologists and other related specialists.

• we prefer organ-saving operations.

• we preserve reproductive function in young patients with oncological diseases.

• EMC patients undergo rapid postoperative rehabilitation. Hospital stays are kept to a minimum.