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Photographs Of Vulvar Cancer
By peace | July 18, 2006
Vulvar cancer is a malignancy that can occur on any part of the external organs, but most often affects the labia majora or labia minora. Cancer of the vulva is a rare disease, which accounts for half of one percent of all cancers in women, and may form slowly over many years. Nearly 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is the second most common type of vulvar cancer, usually found in the labia minora or clitoris. Other types of vulvar cancer include:
- adenocarcinoma
- Paget’s disease
- sarcomas
- verrucous carcinoma
- basal cell carcinoma
Vulvar cancer is diagnosed by biopsy, removing a section of tissue for examination in a laboratory by a pathologist. 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.
Most women with cancer of the vulva are over age 50. However, it is becoming more common in women under age 40. Women who have constant itching and changes in the colour and the way the vulva looks are at a high risk to get cancer of the vulva. A doctor should be seen if there is bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation (periods), severe burning/itching or pain in the vulva, or if the skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough.
If there are symptoms, a doctor may do certain tests to see if there is cancer, usually beginning by looking at the vulva and feeling for any lumps. The doctor may then go on to cut out a small piece of tissue (called a biopsy) from the vulva and look at it under a microscope. A patient will be given some medicine to numb the area when the biopsy is done. Some pressure may be felt, but usually with no pain. This test is often done in a doctor’s office.
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.
The chance of recovery (prognosis) and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the vulva or has spread to other places) and the patient’s general state of health.
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October 15th, 2007 at 11:16 pm
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