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Unveiling the Mysteries of Vulvar Cancer: Everything You Need to Know

Cancer, a term that instills fear and anxiety in the hearts of millions across the globe, is as varied and complex as the human body it affects. Among the myriad types of cancer, vulvar cancer remains shrouded in misconceptions and silence... Vulvar cancer may be a rare form of cancer, but its impact on those affected can be profound. Understanding the risk factors, the importance of early detection, and the available treatment options can be empowering for both patients and their loved ones. With ongoing research, a commitment to open dialogue, and access to a supportive community, the road to recovery and advocacy for improved outcomes is within reach.

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Featured

 Doctors Thought I Had Chronic Yeast Infections—But I Really Had Cancer

For years, Clare Baumhauer's painful symptoms were written off by GPs. Then she was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus—a little-known condition that, for a small number of women, can cause vulva cancer.

 Many women have never heard of vulvar cancer. Here's what a survivor would like you to know

There are many distinctive ribbons people wear to raise awareness about cancer: Pink ribbons, the most well-known, are for breast cancer; blue ribbons are for colon cancer, while orange is for leukemia. There is no specific ribbon, however, for vulvar cancer — a sign, perhaps, of the very private nature of a disease expected to be diagnosed in more than 6,000 women this year. “Vulvar cancer occurs in a sensitive area and is rare, so you don’t have as big a community of cancer survivors,” said Diane Yamada, MD, Joseph Bolivar DeLee Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Section Chief for Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Chicago Medicine. “Unfortunately, patients have a difficult time talking about this cancer, which is why it’s important to raise awareness about it and bring the discussion into the open.”

 The silence around vulval cancer means people are missing the signs that they have it

Vulval cancer is considered rare, accounting for less than 1% of all new cancers in women in the UK. That does not mean it’s unimportant. Four people are diagnosed every day in the UK. Mortality rates are projected to rise by 20% in the coming decades. Most vulval cancers are associated with either a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or a condition called lichen sclerosus (LS).

Articles of Interest

Conservative management of early vulvar cancer

There is a definite trend toward vulvar conservation and individualized management of patients with early vulvar cancer.

Facts About Vulvar Cancer

Most vulvar cancers are a type of skin cancer. But occasionally, a tumor in the vulva may arise from glandular structures in that part of the body. When vulvar cancer is detected early, it is highly curable. The overall five-year survival rate when the lymph nodes are not involved is 90 percent.

I Was Diagnosed With Vulva Cancer at 27. This Was the First Symptom I Noticed

I was 27, my son was about nine months old, and I felt a spot on my vulva. I was uncomfortable in my jeans and didn’t want to have sex with my husband because of it, but I thought: It’s just a spot, it will go away. He was obviously incentivized, like, “Babe, go and get it seen.” We wanted to carry on with “marital relations,” so I went. It’s funny. I love that we can laugh about that now.

I Was Diagnosed With Vulvar Cancer: My Unusual Story of Gratitude

Typically, when I first share with someone that I have cancer of the vulva, the first response is: What? Does that exist? This question is quickly followed up with: Wait, what exactly is the vulva?

My Experience in a Clinical Trial for a Rare Gynecologic Cancer

Until April 2022, I had never heard of vulvar cancer. For months, I had assumed that the hard lumps in my vulvar area were due to collapse of my pelvic floor. I was so confident in my self-diagnosis of pelvic floor collapse that I convinced a nurse practitioner to refer me (without an actual physical examination) for several sessions with a physical therapist. The lumps continued to grow, however, and my husband suggested that although my Ph.D. in medieval history allows me to use the honorific title of Dr., in this case, it would be prudent to seek the opinion of a Doctor of Medicine.

The importance of knowing your vulva from your vagina

As a gynaecological cancer surgeon, I am pleased to see some myths about vulvas and vaginas being busted...

Together; a partner’s story of vulval cancer

Matthew Baumhauer speaks openly and honestly about his wife, Clare's, diagnosis of vulval cancer, and how the ordeal has affected them both. Clare and Matthew are passionate ambassadors for increasing awareness into vulval cancer and its signs and symptoms.

What’s it like to be diagnosed with vulval cancer? Queensland woman Pam shares her story

Vulval cancer is a type of skin cancer. You can get different types of skin cancer on your vulva, including squamous cell cancer (the most common), melanoma, adenocarcinomas, verrucous cancers and sarcomas.

Your Vagina May Be Prone to This Specific Type of Skin Cancer

A new study suggests vulvar and vaginal melanomas differ from other kinds.

‘I had a huge swelling’: why my life as a female cyclist led to vulva surgery

There needs to be serious, urgent research into better saddles for female cyclists, says Hannah Dines, who has endured years of pain and swelling caused by friction as she rides.

“HPV Vaccine can protect you from a myriad of cancers,” says Dr. Sejal Ajmera

HPV vaccination has been demonstrated to help reduce the risk of genital warts and certain HPV-related cancers by 80%–90%. Dr Ajmera succinctly articulates its significance—it’s not just about preventing cervical cancer; it’s about safeguarding against a myriad of cancers that affect both women and men. She emphasises that HPV infections know no bounds and affect people regardless of their lifestyle choices. “The HPV vaccine protects against cervical, vulvar, vaginal, oral, and penile cancers.” This comprehensive safeguard underscores the vaccine’s pivotal role in preventive healthcare. Treating cancer is an arduous journey, laden with physical, emotional, mental, and financial burden, imposing a profound toll on those affected.

Resources

Lichen Sclerosus & Vulvar Cancer UK Awareness

This website has been created to help sufferers of Lichen Sclerosus and those who believe they may have it. We are also hoping this website will help us to raise awareness for this condition.

Cancer Research UK

It can start in any part of the female external sex organs. It most often affects the inner edges of the outer lips (labia majora) or the outer lips (labia minora). Most vulval cancers do not form quickly.

Cancer.org

Learn about the risk factors for vulvar cancer and what you might be able to do to help lower your risk.

Foundation for Women’s Cancer

Vulvar cancer is highly curable if detected at an early stage; however, treatment can have significant adverse effects on body image, sexual function, as well as bladder and rectal function. Lower extremity lymphedema, a form of chronic swelling which results from the disruption of lymphatic drainage in the groin, is a long-term complication and is, for the most part, irreversible. Protection from infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including HPV vaccination, reduces the risk of vulvar cancer.

OncoLink

About 80% of vulvar cancers involve the labia, mainly the labia majora (~50%). About ten percent involve the clitoris, and another 10% involve the perineum,

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Most malignancies are associated with the skin of the labia. Malignancies arising from the clitoris and vestibular glands are extremely rare.

StatPearls

Diagnosis is usually made in the sixth through eighth decades of life and is commonly identified at an early stage of the disease. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for most vulvar cancers, while basal cell carcinoma (BCC), extramammary Paget disease, and vulvar melanoma comprise the less common subtypes.