Debbo Africa

Vulvar Cancer

Cancer that occurs on the external genitalia in women.

Vulvar Cancer: What You Need to Know

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Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the outer surface of the female genitals, also known as the vulva. The vulva includes the labia, clitoris, urethra and vagina opening. Vulvar cancer can cause symptoms such as itching, bleeding, pain, skin changes, and lumps or sores on the vulva.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, vulvar cancer is most commonly diagnosed in older adults, with an average age of 65 at diagnosis. However, it can occur at any age.

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In sub-Saharan Africa, vulvar cancer is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. It constitutes 2.7% of cancers in women in Senegal, 4% in Cameroon, and 2.21% in Gabon, according to a BMC Women’s Health study.

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Types of Vulvar Cancer

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There are different types of vulvar cancer, depending on which cells it starts from. The most common type is vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which begins in the thin, flat cells that line the surface of the vulva. Another type is vulvar melanoma, which begins in the pigment-producing cells in the skin of the vulva. Vulvar melanoma often appears as a dark or colored lump or mole on the vulva.

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The Exact Cause of Vulvar Cancer

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The exact cause of vulvar cancer is not clear, but certain factors may increase the risk of developing it. These include:

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Being exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the vulva.

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Smoking, which can damage the DNA of the cells and make them more likely to become cancerous.

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Having a weakened immune system, which can make it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases.

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Having a history of precancerous conditions of the vulva, such as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), which are abnormal changes in the cells that have not yet become invasive cancer.
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Having a skin condition that affects the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus, which causes thinning and inflammation of the skin.

Diagnosing Vulvar Cancer

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The diagnosis of vulvar cancer usually involves a physical examination of the vulva, a colposcopy (a procedure that uses a magnifying device to examine the vulva more closely), a pelvic examination (to check for signs of cancer spread), imaging tests (such as ultrasound or MRI) and a biopsy (a procedure that takes a small sample of tissue for testing).

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How to Treat Vulvar Cancer

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The treatment of vulvar cancer depends on the stage and overall health of the patient. The main treatment option is surgery, which aims to remove the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue. Sometimes, surgery may require removing part or all of the vulva and nearby lymph nodes. Other treatment options include radiation therapy (which uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells) and chemotherapy (which uses drugs to kill cancer cells).

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The prognosis of vulvar cancer depends on several factors, such as the type, stage, and grade of the cancer, the patient's age and general health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 70% of women with vulvar cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis.

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Vulvar cancer is a serious condition that requires medical attention and care. If you have any symptoms or concerns about your vulvar health, do not hesitate to consult your doctor or gynecologist. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of recovery and quality of life.

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Talk to our medical team of experts right here.

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We are medical health professionals strictly focused on women’s health care.

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