Details of Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the outer part of the female genitals known as vulva. Older adults, above age 55, are more at risk to this, and early detection is extremely essential for treatment and survival.

• Excessive bleeding
• Itching in the genitals
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Discolouration of skin in genital area
• Lump-like formation in genitals

• Unhealthy lifestyle
• Hereditary factors
• Infections
• Exposure to chemicals/toxins

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Imaging tests
• Biopsy

Treatment options Surgery:

Excision: This involves removing the cancer and a part of normal tissue that is around it.

Vulvectomy: This involves partially removing vulva or a complete removal in case of spread to a large area.

Sentinel node biopsy: This is done to identify the lymph nodes for analysis.

Radiation Therapy: This uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells and sometimes to shrink large vulvar cancers in order to make it more likely that surgery will be successful.

Chemotherapy: This uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy drugs are typically administered through a vein in arm or by mouth.

• Hair loss
• Weight loss/gain
• Heart problems
• Hypertension
• Digestion challenges
• Recurrence of cancer