Tumor of the vulva
Vulvar cancer is a form of cancer that develops on a woman's external genitalia The vulva includes the clitoris and labia and encloses the urethra and vagina.
Vulvar tumors often present as a lump or sore It is often characterized by itching Vulvar cancer is most common in older women
Treatment of vulvar cancer involves surgical removal of the tumor and surrounding tissues Sometimes it is necessary to remove the entire vulva The earlier a tumor is diagnosed, the less tissue will need to be removed
Doctors know that vulvar cancer develops when changes occur in the DNA of vulvar cells Healthy cells grow and divide in a defined manner, however, in the case of cell pathology, uncontrolled cell growth begins These accumulated cells form a tumor that can spread to surrounding tissues and other parts of the body
Forms of vulvar tumor Treatment of vulvar tumor depends on which cells the tumor developed from Common forms of vulvar cancer are:
- Squamous cell carcinoma This cancer starts in the thin, flat cells on the surface of the vulva It is the most common form of vulvar cancer
- Melanoma This tumor develops in the pigment-producing cells in the vulva
Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include:
- Persistent itching
- Pain and tenderness
- Bleeding that is not related to menstruation
- Skin changes, such as a change in skin color or thickening
- A lump, condyloma, or open sore
