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Women's external genitalia, such as the labia, clitoris, and surrounding regions like the perineum and mons pubis, are susceptible to vulvar cancer. It can progress slowly over the years, usually starting with precancerous alterations called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). While melanoma is less common but more aggressive, vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, the most common kind, starts from skin cells on the surface. Chronic inflammation, smoking, and HPV infection are risk factors.
Common symptoms include pain, itching, or a noticeable lump. The suspicious areas are thoroughly examined for diagnosis, and a Biopsy may be done for confirmation. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, several treatments are used; they usually include Radiation, Chemotherapy, or Surgery. Regular pelvic exams are essential for early detection, which helps improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, prioritises early diagnosis of vulvar cancer and employs advanced treatment methods to enhance success rates.
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Although vulvar cancer can occur anywhere on the vulva, the first symptoms usually appear as skin changes on the labia majora or minora. Changes in skin tone, such as lightening or darkening of the skin, white spots, thicker or rougher patches, and growths like lumps, wart-like bumps, or ulcers that don't heal, are among the common symptoms.
Other typical signs of vulvar cancer include persistent burning or itching, irregular bleeding unrelated to menstruation, and soreness or pain, particularly during urination or sexual activity. For any uncommon or persistent symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention right away to enable early discovery and treatment.
Unchecked cell growth can lead to vulvar cancer, especially vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. HPV infection, a sexually transmitted virus that raises the risk of cancer, particularly vulvar cancer, is frequently linked to the disease.
Furthermore, lichen sclerosis, a persistent inflammatory skin disorder affecting the vulva, has been associated with a higher risk of this kind of cancer. To manage vulvar cancer and stop it from spreading to other parts of the body, early diagnosis and therapy are essential.
A pelvic exam is necessary to diagnose vulvar cancer and look for skin changes and lumps. A Pap smear and HPV test are frequently performed as well to identify malignant cells and viral infections. A Colposcopy, which uses magnification to check for anomalies indicated by a specific solution on the vulva, vagina, and cervix, may come next.
A Biopsy, if necessary, determines the kind and existence of cancer, directing therapy choices for efficient management. In the case of vulvar cancer, prompt action is contingent upon early and comprehensive diagnostic techniques.
It is important to take seriously any persistent itching that does not go away, as well as any discomfort, tenderness, or bleeding that is not associated with menstruation. Furthermore, any changes to the skin's appearance—such as colour shifts, thickness, lump formation, wart-like pimples, or open sores (ulcers)—need to be evaluated by a dermatologist or other healthcare professional right away.
These signs could point to many skin disorders, including potentially dangerous illnesses like skin cancer. To effectively manage these illnesses and enhance long-term results, early detection and treatment are imperative.
Use protection during sexual encounters to minimise your risk of vulvar cancer caused by HPV. You should also think about getting vaccinated against HPV to protect yourself against the most prevalent strains of the virus that cause cancer. Frequent gynaecological exams are essential for identifying changes linked to HPV early on. Also, giving up smoking reduces your chance of developing cancer.
To lower your chance of infection, practise proper genital hygiene and educate yourself about HPV. By taking these preventative measures, you can lower your risk of HPV infection and vulvar cancer considerably.
Vulvar cancer has a 70% five-year survival rate, and better results are achieved with early diagnosis. Survival rates rise to about 86% when the malignancy is restricted to the vulva. To identify signs such as itching, pain, bleeding, skin changes, or tumours early on, routine gynaecological exams are essential. Options for treatment include Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Surgery, all of which are designed to maintain healthy tissue and function.
Improvements in tailored medicine increase the effectiveness of treatment, and post-treatment care guarantees that patients receive continued support and monitoring.
In general, vulvar cancer grows more slowly than many other types of cancer; however, this is not always the case. Squamous cell carcinoma, the most prevalent kind, usually advances gradually. Other forms, such as sarcoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma, may have distinct growth patterns and traits. Regular medical checkups are essential for early detection, which is necessary for prompt intervention and successful treatment.
Depending on the kind and stage of the cancer, a variety of treatment options, including Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and Targeted Therapies, may be used to improve the prognosis while maintaining quality of life. In cases of vulvar cancer, individual factors such as genetic abnormalities also affect how quickly and well a patient responds to treatment.
Home Mukundapur Specialities Gynaec-oncology Vulvar-cancer