Understanding Vulvar Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options

iQOO Neo 10R 5G (Raging Blue, 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage) | Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 Processor | India's Slimmest 6400mAh Battery Smartphone | Segment's Most Stable 90FPS for 5 Hours

₹30,998.00 (as of April 17, 2025 21:22 GMT +05:30 - )

Introduction

Vulvar cancer is a rare form of gynecological cancer that originates in the vulva—the external part of the female genitalia. Although uncommon, accounting for about 4% of all gynecological cancers, it is essential to understand its causes, symptoms, and treatment options to ensure early detection and effective management. We will provide a comprehensive overview of vulvar cancer, shedding light on its underlying causes, signs to watch out for and the medical advancements in its treatment.

Definition

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the external genitalia of women, known as the vulva, which includes the labia, clitoris, and vaginal opening. It typically begins as abnormal changes in the vulvar skin, such as persistent itching, pain, or visible lesions, and most commonly affects older women. The primary cause is often associated with long-term human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or other risk factors like smoking and immune system suppression. Effective management and better results depend on early detection and treatment.

What Is Vulvar Cancer?

The vulva includes structures such as the labia, clitoris, and the vaginal opening. Vulvar cancer primarily affects these areas, with the most common type being squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells lining the vulva. Less common types include melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma.

While it is most often diagnosed in older women, vulvar cancer can also occur in younger individuals, particularly those with specific risk factors.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of vulvar cancer remains unclear, but several risk factors have been identified:

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection:

A significant number of vulvar cancer cases are linked to persistent HPV infection, particularly high-risk strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection and is a leading cause of various gynecological cancers.

2. Age:

Vulvar cancer primarily affects postmenopausal women, with the average age of diagnosis being 65 years. However, cases in younger women have been increasing, often associated with HPV.

3. Smoking:

Smoking compromises the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like HPV. Additionally, the carcinogens in tobacco may directly contribute to cellular changes in the vulva.

4. Chronic Vulvar Conditions:

Chronic inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) increase the risk of vulvar cancer.

5. Weakened Immune System:

Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those on immunosuppressive therapy, are at a higher risk.

6. Personal or Family History of Cancer:

A personal history of cervical or vaginal cancer or a family history of gynecological cancers can elevate the risk of developing vulvar cancer.

Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

Early-stage vulvar cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular gynecological exams are crucial. As the cancer spreads, some of the symptoms could be:

Persistent Itching: Chronic vulvar itching that does not respond to treatment.
Pain or Tenderness: Discomfort or pain in the vulva, particularly during intercourse or urination.
Changes in Skin Appearance: Changes in vulvar skin color, thickness, or texture. This may include patches of red, white, or dark areas.
Lumps or Growths: The presence of a lump, wart-like growth, or sore that does not heal.
Unusual Bleeding: Bleeding or spotting unrelated to menstruation.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling in the groin area can indicate the spread of the disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing vulvar cancer typically involves several steps:

1. Physical Examination:

A gynecologist will perform a thorough pelvic exam to check for abnormalities in the vulvar region.

2. Biopsy:

If abnormal tissue is detected, a biopsy will be conducted to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.

3. Imaging Tests;

Tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans may be used to determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas.

4. Colposcopy:

This procedure uses a special magnifying instrument to closely examine the vulva and surrounding areas for abnormal cells.

Treatment Options for Vulvar Cancer

Treatment for vulvar cancer depends on the stage, type, and location of the tumor, as well as the patient’s overall health and preferences.

1. Surgery

Surgery is the primary treatment for vulvar cancer and involves removing the cancerous tissue. Surgical options include:

Wide Local Excision: Removal of the cancerous lesion and a margin of healthy tissue.
Vulvectomy: Partial or total removal of the vulva, depending on the extent of the cancer.
Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes in the groin to check for the spread of cancer.

2. Radiation Therapy

In radiation therapy, cancer cells are destroyed by high-energy beams. It is often used in combination with surgery, either to shrink the tumor before surgery or to eliminate any remaining cancer cells afterward.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced stages of vulvar cancer or when surgery and radiation are not viable options. It entails using medications to either eradicate or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

4. Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy

Emerging treatments such as targeted therapy focus on specific genetic mutations in cancer cells, while immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight the disease. These treatments are typically reserved for advanced or recurrent vulvar cancer.

5. Palliative Care

For patients with advanced cancer, palliative care aims to improve quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain and discomfort.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The stage at which vulvar cancer is discovered has a significant impact on the prognosis. Early-stage cancers have a higher survival rate, with localized vulvar cancer having a five-year survival rate of about 86%. However, if the cancer has spread to distant organs, the survival rate drops significantly.

Prevention and Early Detection

While vulvar cancer cannot always be prevented, certain measures can significantly reduce the risk:

HPV Vaccination: Vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix protect against high-risk HPV strains.
Regular Gynecological Exams: Annual pelvic exams and Pap smears help in early detection.
Quit Smoking: Eliminating tobacco use reduces the risk of vulvar cancer and other cancers.
Monitor Skin Changes: Pay attention to any changes in the vulva and seek medical advice if abnormalities are noticed.
Manage Chronic Conditions: Effectively treating conditions like lichen sclerosus can lower the risk.

Growth Rate of Vulvar Cancer Market

The size of the global vulvar cancer market was estimated at USD 605.70 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.11% from 2025 to 2032, reaching USD 973.44 billion.

Conclusion

Vulvar cancer, though rare, is a serious condition that requires awareness and prompt medical attention. Understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and being proactive about screenings are vital steps in early detection and treatment. With advancements in medical technology and personalized treatment approaches, the outlook for vulvar cancer patients continues to improve.