Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar Cancer is a rare but significant type of cancer that develops in the female external genital organs (vulva area). It most commonly appears on the clitoris, large or small labia. Although it is usually seen in older and postmenopausal women, in recent years, it has also been diagnosed at younger ages due to HPV infection. When detected at an early stage, the success of treatment is quite high. ⚕️
What is Vulvar Cancer?
Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the skin and mucosal tissues forming the external genital area. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. Vulvar cancer usually progresses slowly and can remain as superficial lesions for a long time. However, if not detected early, it can spread to surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. 🌿
How Does Vulvar Cancer Occur?
Various risk factors play a role in the formation of vulvar cancer:
• High-risk HPV (especially types 16 and 18) infection
• Long-term chronic irritation or itching (such as lichen sclerosus)
• Smoking
• Weak immune system (HIV or long-term immunosuppressive drugs)
• Age and postmenopausal hormonal changes
• Long-term wounds, ulcers, or pigment changes in the vulva
Prevention of the disease is possible with the HPV vaccine and regular gynecological examinations. 📋
Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer
The early symptoms of vulvar cancer are usually mild and can often be mistaken for other skin diseases. The most common complaints are:
• Itching, burning, or pain in the vulva
• Thickening of the skin, warty or raised lesions
• Bleeding or discharge
• Non-healing wound or ulcer in the vulva area
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Swelling in the groin (enlargement of lymph nodes)
If these symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, a gynecological evaluation should be conducted. 🌸
How is Vulvar Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with the observation of a suspicious lesion during a gynecological examination. A biopsy is taken for histopathological examination. If cancer is confirmed, pelvic MRI, CT, or PET-CT is used to evaluate the spread of the disease. The condition of the groin lymph nodes is also assessed. 🧚
Stages of Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is classified into 4 stages:
• Stage I: The tumor is confined to the vulva.
• Stage II: The tumor has spread to the lower vagina or lower urethra.
• Stage III: There is metastasis to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: There is spread to distant organs (such as the bladder, rectum, or lungs).
The disease can be completely cured with surgical treatment performed at an early stage. 🌼
Vulvar Cancer Surgery
The main treatment for vulvar cancer is surgical. The scope of the surgery is determined by the size and spread of the tumor:
• Local excision: Only the lesion is removed in small and confined tumors.
• Radical vulvectomy: The area where the tumor is located, along with the surrounding healthy tissues, is removed.
• Lymph node dissection: If there is a risk of cancer spreading to the lymph nodes, the lymph nodes in the groin area are removed.
• Vaginal or urethral repair may be performed if necessary.
Modern surgical techniques ensure both oncological safety and the preservation of aesthetic and functional structure. ⚕️
Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in Vulvar Cancer
After surgery, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) is applied if there is spread in the lymph nodes. In advanced-stage patients or cases unsuitable for surgery, chemotherapy may be used in conjunction with radiotherapy. Radiotherapy generally strengthens local control. 💊
Follow-up and Recurrence Prevention in Vulvar Cancer
Regular follow-up in the first 2 years after surgery is very important. An examination is recommended every 6 months initially, and then once a year. In patients with a high risk of recurrence, HPV monitoring and regular vulvar examinations should be conducted. 🌿
Vulvar Cancer and Sexual Life
Some patients may experience sensitivity or pain during sexual intercourse after vulvar cancer treatment. However, as surgical techniques have advanced, these issues have decreased. Post-treatment sexual counseling and vaginal moisturizer support can improve quality of life. 💝
| Stage | Spread Area | Treatment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Stage I | Confined to vulva | Local excision or partial vulvectomy |
| Stage II | Spread to lower vagina or urethra | Radical surgery + radiotherapy if necessary |
| Stage III | Spread to lymph nodes | Radical surgery + radiotherapy/chemotherapy |
| Stage IV | Distant organ metastasis | Radiotherapy + systemic treatment |
Vulvar Cancer Prices
Vulvar cancer treatment prices vary depending on the stage of the tumor, the scope of surgery, and the necessity of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Since treatment is planned individually, price information becomes clear after examination and evaluation. For detailed information, please contact our clinic. 📞
Conclusion: Vulvar cancer is a disease that can be completely treated if diagnosed early. Early diagnosis is possible with the HPV vaccine, regular gynecological examination, and colposcopic evaluations. An early detected lesion offers a chance for complete recovery while maintaining quality of life. 🌸
Frequently Asked Questions About Vulvar Cancer
Question: Is vulvar cancer seen in young women?
Yes, it can be seen at younger ages due to HPV infection; however, it is more commonly found in postmenopausal women. ✅
Question: Does itching in the vulva always indicate cancer?
No. However, if there is prolonged itching, color change, or a wound, a gynecological examination is necessary. 🌿
Question: How does sexual life get affected after vulvar cancer treatment?
There may be sensitivity after surgery, but normal life is possible with appropriate surgical techniques and supportive treatments. 💗
Question: Can vulvar cancer be prevented?
Yes. It can be largely prevented with the HPV vaccine, quitting smoking, and regular gynecological check-ups. 🌼
