Cancer of the Vulva or known as cancer of the perineum, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer (malignant) cells are found in the vulva. Most cases are found in women over the age of 50. Although, it’s becoming more and more frequent to be diagnosed under the age of 40. I am one of them, I was 30 years old when diagnosed. 

Symptoms

Some of the Symptoms

Note: Nearly 20% of women with vulvar cancer have no symptoms.

Signs And Tests

A routine pelvic examination may be the best means of noting early changes. Skin changes include any color changes and the presence of lesions that may vary in size and shape.
Excision and biopsy of the lesion is critical for accurate diagnosis.

If any of these symptoms persist a doctor should be seen immediately.  The type of cancer is 80% of the time squamaus epithelium, 10% are malignant melanomas, 5% are glandular, 3% are basal cell carcinoma, and 2% are rare sarcomas. The cause of the cancer of the vulva is still uncertain. Though there is a link with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). 

Treatment see main Treatment page

Treatment of vulva cancer may begin with a biopsy or removing a small portion of the lump for further examination. If the growth is malignant, the doctor may choose to do a vulvectomy (vul-vek-toe-me), which entails a surgical procedure which removes part (removal of the growth and the surrounding skin) or all of the vulva. And sometimes the  removal of the glands in the groin and the skin in between. 

See Treatment  See Stages

The chance of recovery and treatment choice depend on the stage of the cancer and your overall heath condition.

Cancer of the Vulva can be beaten with early detection.