Vulvar Cancer Information
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What is Vulvar Cancer?
Vulvar cancer is cancer that begins in the tissues of the vulva. The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia, including the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. Vulvar cancer most often affects the vaginal lips (the edges of the labia).
Most women with cancer of the vulva are over age 50, with the peak age range being 65-75. However, the disease is becoming more common in women under age 40.
Vulvar cancer represents between five to 12 percent of all invasive gynecologic cancer. There are no screening tests recommended other than self-vulvar exams and regular pelvic exams. Vulvar biopsy of any suspicious vulvar lesion is the main diagnostic test.
Women who have constant itching and changes in the color and the way the vulva looks are at higher risk to get cancer of the vulva. It is important for every woman to have an annual pelvic exam and Pap smear, during which your doctor will find any abnormality in color or structure of the vulva.
Types of Vulvar Cancer
Over 90 percent of all vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (which begin in slow-developing squamous skin cells). Other types of vulvar cancer include melanomas and adenocarcinomas.
Next Topic: Vulvar Cancer Risk Factors
