Although all women are potentially at risk for vulvar cancer, this disease is actually very rare. Even though few people get this cancer, it's still important to know how to recognize the signs. If you notice any symptoms, your doctor will need to confirm the diagnosis. Treatments for this disease are effective, obviously based on the severity of the situation.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing the Symptoms
Step 1. Recognize potential symptoms
When vulva cancer is in its early stages, it may also be asymptomatic, although some signs may be present. Identifying symptoms early is undoubtedly useful for reaching an accurate diagnosis and finding appropriate treatments as soon as possible.
- Symptoms or signs of this disease may include unusual swelling, itching, or tenderness to the touch in the vulvar area, as well as possible bleeding.
- You should observe the health and characteristics of your vulva over time so that you understand what is normal for you and that you can more easily recognize any abnormalities.
Step 2. Assess your degree of risk
The exact causes are still unknown, but research has found that certain factors and behaviors can increase the risk of getting sick. If you know these factors, you can more easily detect the development of the disease, get a diagnosis and quickly start therapy.
- The chances of getting cancer increase with age; it is usually diagnosed in women around the age of 65.
- If you expose yourself to human papillomavirus, or HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, you can increase your risk of vulva cancer.
- Smoking is also among the risk factors.
- HIV weakens the immune system and makes the body more sensitive to developing this type of cancer.
- A medical history of precancerous diseases or skin disorders of the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus, can increase the risk of getting the disease.
Step 3. Pay attention to any lumps or other irregularities in the vulva
Masses of tissue and other irregular growths can be a sign of cancer. Gently touch the vulvar area with your fingers to spot any abnormal growths.
- Don't feel uncomfortable or embarrassed about touching your vulva. You are not doing anything wrong, in fact, you are protecting your health.
- Touch the various parts of the vulva very carefully to feel any possible swollen, irregular or abnormal areas, such as bumps or wart-like lesions. Also check the inner lip area.
- You should make it a habit to check your vulva regularly, so you know what's normal for you.
- See your gynecologist as soon as possible if you notice any of these symptoms.
Step 4. Watch for pain, itching or bleeding
Be especially vigilant in cases of unusual or prolonged itching, burning, or bleeding - these are all symptoms that can indicate cancer of the vulva, particularly if they do not go away.
- Check for any persistent pain in the pelvic area, especially when urinating or having sex.
- Check for any type of bleeding that is not related to your menstrual cycle, as it can be a symptom of this disease.
- See your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these signs.
Step 5. Examine your genitals
Vulvar cancer develops in the vulva, which is made up of the female external genitalia, including the clitoris, labia, vaginal opening, and surrounding skin or tissues. If you look at the genitals, paying particular attention to the symptoms that identify the disease, you can spot potential cancerous lesions of the vulva.
- You can take a mirror to help you during the exam.
- Check out regularly so that you know what your vulva looks like normally and that you can easily spot any possible changes that represent a potential problem.
- In particular, you must check for any changes in the appearance of the vulvar skin, such as a change in color or thickness of the skin. Wart-like or ulcer-like growths can also be a sign of cancer.
- This type of tumor most often forms on the inner edges of the lips, the two skin folds of the female external genitalia.
- If you have been in a partner for a long time, you can also ask him if he has noticed any changes in your vaginal area. He might see any differences before you do.
- See your gynecologist as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms.
Part 2 of 2: Diagnosis and Treatments
Step 1. See your doctor
If you have any signs or symptoms of cancer and you know you are at risk for this disease, you should get examined as soon as possible. This cancer is easily treatable, but timely diagnosis is important to minimize the duration and severity of therapy.
- If possible, visit your gynecologist, who has all the tools and expertise to diagnose the disease. If he deems it appropriate, he can refer you to other doctors or specialists.
- Your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for signs of vulva cancer and will likely ask you questions about your health history, including things like your past habits and illnesses.
- During your visit, your doctor may also have an examination of your vulva using a magnifying device.
Step 2. Undergo several tests to arrive at an accurate diagnosis
If your doctor suspects that you have vulvar cancer, they may order tests after the physical examination is over. These tests are the only way to confirm the diagnosis.
- The most common examination is a biopsy. The doctor takes a small amount of vulvar cells or tissue and sends it to a laboratory to check for cancer.
- If tests confirm the diagnosis of cancer, you will need to do additional tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
- Among the diagnostic tests you will need to perform are a pelvic exam, colposcopy, x-rays, CT or MRI, and a biopsy of the lymph nodes.
Step 3. Get treatment
Based on the severity found in the diagnostic phase, the doctor will prescribe a specific therapy. There are various possibilities and you can successfully recover if the tumor is identified early.
- The four typical treatments that are proposed for this type of cancer are: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy.
- Surgery is the most common procedure for treating this form of cancer and allows all diseased cells to be removed without damaging sexual function.
- Your doctor will be able to recommend different types of procedures, based on the severity of the cancer.
- You can also consider taking part in a clinical trial, which gives you the chance to try one of the more modern methods. If the cancer is in stage 1 or 2, surgery may be sufficient, but if it is already in stage 3 or 4, more radical excision may be required, in addition to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Warnings
- Don't ignore the symptoms. If cancer cells reach the pelvic lymph nodes, they can spread and cause secondary tumors in any other area of the body.
- Once contracted, there is no cure for HPV. If you are under 30, you can consider getting vaccinated against this virus to reduce the risk of contagion.
