What is Vulval Cancer?
Vulval cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the external female genitalia (the vulva). It most commonly affects the outer lips (labia majora) but can occur in any part of the vulva.
Key Statistics
- Accounts for about 0.6% of all cancers in women
- Most common in women over 65
- Early detection significantly improves outcomes
Risk Factors
- Age (typically over 65)
- HPV infection
- Smoking
- Previous vulval conditions (VIN)
- Weakened immune system
Common Symptoms
Early Signs:
- Persistent itching
- Pain or tenderness
- Bleeding or discharge
- Changes in skin color
- Lumps or growths
Advanced Signs:
- Open sores
- Persistent pain
- Difficulty urinating
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Vulval biopsy
- Imaging tests (CT, MRI)
- Lymph node assessment
Treatment Options
Surgery
- Wide local excision
- Radical vulvectomy
- Lymph node removal
Other Treatments
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Combined therapy approaches
Follow-up Care
- Regular check-ups
- Monitoring for recurrence
- Managing side effects
- Emotional support
Prevention
- HPV vaccination
- Regular gynecological check-ups
- Prompt attention to symptoms
- Smoking cessation
Support Resources
- Gynecologic oncology teams
- Cancer support groups
- Counseling services
- Patient advocacy organizations