Vulva (External Genital Area) Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a very rare type of cancer that occurs in the external genital area (vulva) of women. This type of cancer, which usually occurs in postmenopausal ages, can be successfully treated when diagnosed early. In this article we have written for you, we will try to answer important information about vulvar cancer, types and causes of cancer.

What Is Vulva Cancer?

Vulva cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the vulva, the external genital area of women, and occurs when cells multiply uncontrollably and turn into cancerous cells. The vulva includes the clitoris, outer labia majora, inner labia minora and the area surrounding the entrance to the vagina. Vulvar cancer usually starts on the outer or inner labia and there is a risk of it spreading. With early diagnosis and treatment, vulvar cancer has a high chance of being successfully treated.

What are the Types of Vulva Cancer?

Vulva cancer is classified according to the cell type in which it occurs. The main types of vulvar cancer are as follows;

Squamous cell carcinoma; It is the most common type of vulvar cancers and is caused by flat, thin cells on the surface of the vulva. It usually starts on the outer lips and progresses slowly.

Adenocarcinoma; It is a less common type of vulva cancers and originates from the gland cells of the vulva. It usually starts from Bartholin glands of skene glands located at the entrance of the vagina.

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

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

What Causes Vulva Cancer?

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

• Vulva cancer usually occurs in women aged 60 and over.
• Sexually transmitted infections. In particular, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may 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 using drugs that suppress the immune system can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.
• Conditions that cause constant inflammation and irritation in the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus, can increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer.

Regular gynecological examinations are important for early detection and treatment of vulvar cancer. In addition, reducing risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of vulvar cancer.

Who Is In The Risk Group for Vulva Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is caused by malignant tumors that develop in the vulva area, the outer part of the female reproductive system. Although it is a rare type of cancer, some factors can increase the risk of vulvar cancer. People and factors in the risk group for vulvar cancer are as follows;

• Vulvar cancer is more common in women aged 65 years 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 genitals, including vulvar cancer.

• Smoking significantly increases the risk of vulvar cancer. Smoking can cause harmful chemicals to accumulate in the body and cause cells to grow abnormally.

• People with a weakened immune system may be at risk of vulvar cancer. Diseases that weaken the immune system, such as HIV, or using drugs that suppress the immune system after organ transplantation can increase the risk of vulvar cancer.

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

• If you have a family history of vulvar cancer or are genetically predisposed to cancer, the risk of vulvar cancer may increase.

What Are The Symptoms of Vulva Cancer?

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

• Persistent itching, pain or tenderness in the vulva area,
• Skin discolouration or rashes,
• Wart-like lesions or swellings on the vulva,
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge,
• Pain during sexual intercourse,
• Pain when urinating or defecating,

How Is Vulvar Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of vulvar cancer usually begins with the evaluation of patients presenting with suspicious symptoms by their doctors. The following methods can be used in the diagnostic process;

• Physical examination,
• Biopsy
• Imaging tests,
• Lymph node biopsy,

Once vulvar cancer is diagnosed, doctors assess 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 Vulva Cancer?

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

Stage 0 (carcinoma in situ); At this stage, cancer cells are found only in the top layer of the vulva skin and have not spread deeper. This is considered a precancerous lesion and usually results in a good prognosis.

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

1A: The tumor is less than 2 cm and less than 1 mm deep.

1B: The tumor is larger than 2 cm or more than 1 mm in depth.

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

Stage 3; At this stage, the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, but not 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 not to other parts of the body.

3C; The cancer has formed a large tumour in the lymph nodes or has spread to tissues connected 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; Cancer has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes.

How Is Vulva Cancer Treated?

Vulva cancer treatment 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 vulva cancer. Removal of the tumour and surrounding tissue helps prevent the spread of cancer. Removal of lymph nodes may also be required.

Radiation uses high-energy beams to kill or shrink cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given before or after surgery.

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

Immunotherapy stimulates the body’s immune system to fight against 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 to lower hormone levels to slow the growth of cancer.

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

Vulvar Cancer Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has succeeded in making its name known to the world with its investments and Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Vulva Cancer Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.