The type of cancer which occurs on the outer surface of the female genitalia is named vulvar cancer. The vulva is actually the external part of the female genitalia which includes: the vaginal opening (birth canal), labia majora and labia minora (the outer folds around the vaginal opening), clitoris (the main source of sensation during sexual activity and arousal), urethra (an opening which leads to the bladder), anus (opening which leads to the colon).
Vulvar cancer appears in the external parts of the genitalia and is in a form of a lump or sore on the vulvar area which brings about itching that does not go away. This cancer type may occur at any age, but is most commonly diagnosed among older women. The good thing is that it may be treated through removing the infected tissues and some healthy surrounding tissue. However, the surgery may as well require removing the entire vulva. The earlier it is diagnosed, the less extensive the surgery will be.
These are the symptoms:
- Vulvar pain;
- Vulvar tenderness or high sensitivity;
- Bleeding not related to periods;
- Thickening of the skin around the vulva;
- Alterations on the vulvar skin (color changes or growths, appearance of ulcer or wart).
Such symptoms may not necessarily be related to vulvar cancer, thus you will have to do a biopsy just to make sure. A small piece of the tissue will be removed and analyzed under a microscope and through lab tests it will be examined by a specialist in order to determine if there is or is not cancer or pre-cancerous condition.
Risk factors:
- Having human papilloma virus infection (HIV);
- Having a history of genital warts or herpes;
- Having intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).
Having a risk of a disease grows the risk for infection, however, it is not a guarantee that you will get cancer and neither does having no risk factors guarantee that you will not get cancer.
If you are worried about your risk, you may talk to your doctor.
source:explicitgists.com
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