Vulvar Cancer: Types, Causes, and Treatment

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that develops in the external genital area (vulva) of women. This type of cancer typically appears in women after menopause and can be successfully treated when diagnosed early. In this article we have prepared for you, we will attempt to answer important information about vulvar cancer, its types, and causes.

What is Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the vulva, the external genital region of women, and develops when cells multiply uncontrollably and transform into cancerous cells. The vulva includes the clitoris, the outer lips (labia majora), the inner lips (labia minora), and the area surrounding the vaginal entrance. Vulvar cancer typically begins on the outer or inner lips and carries a risk of spreading. With early diagnosis and treatment, the chances of successfully treating vulvar cancer are high.

What are the Types of Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is classified according to the type of cell from which it originates. The main types of vulvar cancer are as follows:

Squamous cell carcinoma; This is the most common type of vulvar cancer and originates from flat, thin cells found on the surface of the vulva. It typically begins on the outer lips and progresses slowly.

Adenocarcinoma; This is a less common type of vulvar cancer and originates from glandular cells of the vulva. It typically begins from the Bartholin glands or Skene's glands located at the vaginal entrance.

Melanoma; This type originates from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the vulva and may follow a more aggressive course.

Sarcoma; This is a rare type of vulvar cancer and originates from connective tissue or muscle cells.

What Causes Vulvar Cancer?

Although the exact cause of vulvar cancer is unknown, certain risk factors may contribute to cancer development. These risk factors include:

• Vulvar cancer is generally seen in women aged 60 and older.

• Sexually transmitted infections. In particular, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer.

• Smoking is a factor that increases the risk of vulvar cancer.

• Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, or taking immunosuppressive medications can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.

• Conditions that cause chronic inflammation and irritation of the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus, may increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer.

Regular gynecological examinations are important for early diagnosis and treatment of vulvar cancer. Additionally, reducing risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle can lower the risk of vulvar cancer.

Who is at Risk for Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the vulva, the external part of the female reproductive system. Although it is a rarely seen type of cancer, certain factors may increase the risk of vulvar cancer. People and factors at risk for vulvar cancer are as follows:

• Vulvar cancer is generally more common in women aged 65 and older. However, it can also occur in younger women.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a sexually transmitted virus. HPV can lead to various cancers of the genital organs, including vulvar cancer.

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of vulvar cancer. Smoking can lead to the accumulation of harmful chemicals in the body and abnormal cell growth.

• People with weakened immune systems may be at risk for vulvar cancer. Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, or taking immunosuppressive medications after organ transplantation can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.

• Conditions that cause chronic irritation and inflammation in the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus, increase the risk of vulvar cancer.

• If there is a family history of vulvar cancer or if you have a genetic predisposition to cancer, the risk of vulvar cancer may increase.

What are the Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer?

Early symptoms of vulvar cancer are often vague and can be confused with other more common vulvar conditions. However, certain symptoms may indicate vulvar cancer:

• Persistent itching, pain, or sensitivity in the vulvar area,

• Changes in skin color or rashes,

• Wart-like lesions or swelling in the vulva area,

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge,

• Pain during sexual intercourse,

• Pain during urination or defecation,

How is Vulvar Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of vulvar cancer typically begins with evaluation by a physician of patients presenting with suspicious symptoms. The following methods may be used in the diagnostic process:

• Physical examination,

• Biopsy,

• Imaging tests,

• Lymph node biopsy,

After a diagnosis of vulvar cancer is made, doctors evaluate the patient's condition and determine appropriate treatment options. Early diagnosis and treatment can help achieve better outcomes for patients with vulvar cancer.

What are the Stages of Vulvar Cancer?

The stages of vulvar cancer help determine how far the cancer has spread and how large it is. The stages are as follows:

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ); At this stage, cancer cells are only present in the uppermost layer of vulvar skin and have not spread to deeper layers. This condition is considered a pre-cancerous lesion and usually results in a good prognosis.

Stage 1; The cancer has spread to the lower layers of vulvar skin but has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Stage 1 is divided into two subcategories:

1A: The tumor is smaller than 2 cm and the depth is less than 1 mm.

1B: The tumor is larger than 2 cm or the depth is greater than 1 mm.

Stage 2; The cancer has spread to nearby tissues outside the vulva but has not spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Stage 3; At this stage, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes but has not spread to other parts of the body. Stage 3 is divided into three subcategories:

3A; The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

3B; The cancer has spread to more lymph nodes but has not spread to other parts of the body.

3C; The cancer has formed a large tumor in the lymph nodes or has spread to tissues attached to the lymph nodes.

Stage 4; The cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Stage 4 is divided into two subcategories:

4A; The cancer has spread to nearby organs or pelvic bones.

4B; The cancer has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes.

How is Vulvar Cancer Treated?

Treatment of vulvar cancer varies depending on the stage of cancer, the patient's general health, and preferences. Treatment options include:

Surgery is the most commonly used method in the treatment of vulvar cancer. Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue helps prevent cancer from spreading. Removal of lymph nodes may also be necessary.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or shrink cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be applied before or after surgery.

Chemotherapy uses drugs that stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with radiation therapy or applied to prevent cancer from spreading to other areas.

Immunotherapy stimulates the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Immunotherapy may be a treatment option for advanced vulvar cancer.

Some types of vulvar cancer are sensitive to hormones. Hormone therapy uses drugs aimed at lowering hormone levels to slow cancer growth.

During treatment, patients may experience complications such as pain, infection, bleeding, and sexual dysfunction. Therefore, it is important for patients to maintain close communication with their doctors during the treatment process.

Vulvar Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has gained recognition in the world through its investments and initiatives in healthcare. Advances in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures using state-of-the-art technology have provided hope for many diseases. Additionally, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

The preference factors include:

• Hospitals being spacious, clean, and fully equipped with technological devices,

• Turkish doctors being expert, successful, and talented in their fields,

• Nurses and caregivers being friendly and compassionate,

• Quick and accurate answers to patient questions,

• All personnel, including the intermediary company working with patients, being patient and understanding,

• Turkey offering vacation opportunities with its natural and historical beauty,

• Easy accessibility and transportation,

• Affordable coverage of needs such as diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, food, beverages, clothing, and vacation,

Regarding Vulvar Cancer Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives seeking treatment wish to conduct research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide specific pricing information. Many factors affect pricing such as the type of disease, stage, diagnostic process, treatment process, and duration of stay in Turkey. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Furthermore, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our mediation, we can facilitate your visa application process through the invitation letter we send to the consulate.