Vulva is the outer region of the female genitals which includes the clitoris, the vestibule (vaginal opening) and the inner and outer lips (labia). Cancers of the vulva, or vulvar cancers mostly develop in the inner portion of the labia and the clitoris and Bartholin glands are often less affected.
Types of cancers of the vulva
Squamous cell carcinomas : Because they develop on the main skin cell type, squamous cell carcinomas are responsible for most of the cancers of the vulva. These are divided into several types :
Types of cancers of the vulva
Squamous cell carcinomas : Because they develop on the main skin cell type, squamous cell carcinomas are responsible for most of the cancers of the vulva. These are divided into several types :
- The keratinizing type : Development is more common in older women.
- Basaloid and warty type : Development of such carcinomas is more common in younger women infected with HPV.
- Verrucous carcinoma : A very uncommon type of squamous cell carcinoma that tends to grow very slowly.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma develops in the glands cells and account for about 8 % of total vulvar carcinomas. They usually start in the Bartholin gland cells found inside the vaginal opening. Adenocarcinomas can also begin to develop in sweat glands present on the vulvar skin.
Melanoma
Cancers which are known to develop from pigment making cells inside our body that provides color to the skin are called melanomas. They are often detected on areas of the sun-exposed skin but can also start in other areas like the vulva.
Symptoms of vulvar cancer :
Symptoms of cancer of the vulva depend upon the cancer stage (cancer or pre-cancer) and the type of carcinoma.
Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Except for incessant itching that doesn't go away, women affected with vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia do not often have any particular symptoms.
Invasive squamous cell carcinoma
With such carcinomas symptoms include :
- Abnormal change in appearance of the area near the vulva.
- Roughening and thickening of the vulva skin.
- A lump or mass accumulation near the vulva which could be red, pink or white in color.
- Pain and burning sensation.
- Abnormal bleeding and discharge from the vagina.
- Sore(s).
Vulvar melanoma
Women with vulvar melanoma may have certain symptoms apart from others signs of vulvar cancer :
- Itching.
- Intolerable pain.
- Abnormal bleeding and fluid discharge from the inside.
Such melanomas may sometimes start with a mole and a mole that is present for many years can indicate the presence of such carcinoma.
Bartholin cancer of the glands
Formation of a distinct mass or lump on any of the two sides of the opening to the vagina may be a symptom of Bartholin gland carcinoma.