women s health issues
Vulvar Cancer
Introduction
Vulvar cancer usually develops in the labia, the tissue that surrounds the opening of the vagina. The cancer may appear to be a lump, an itchy area, or a sore that does not heal. A sample of the abnormal tissue is removed and examined (biopsied). All or part of the vulva and any other affected areas are removed surgically. Reconstructive surgery can help improve appearance and function. (See also Overview of Female Reproductive System Cancers .) In the United States, cancer of the vulva (vulvar carcinoma) is the fourth most common gynecologic cancer, accounting for 5% of these cancers. Vulvar cancer usually occurs after menopause. The average age at diagnosis is 70 years. As more women live longer, this cancer is likely to become more common. Recent evidence suggests that vulvar cancer is becoming more common among younger women. The vulva refers to the area around the opening of the vagina. It contains the Female External Genital Organs . Vulvar cancer usually develops slowly over a number of years. Most vulvar cancers are cancers of the skin that covers the labia, which surround the opening of the vagina. Approximately 90% of vulvar cancers are Squamous Cell Carcinoma , which develop in the flat cells that form the outermost layer of skin, and 5% are At the center of this image is the vagina, a canal composed of smooth muscle. The small opening directly above it is the urethra, which is the opening from the bladder. Below the vagina is the anus. Above the urethra is the clitoris, a body of erectile tissue that is homologous to the penis. The vagina is surrounded by the labia minora, which are surrounded by the labia majora. The pubic bone is at top. The purple tissue is a continuation of the clitoris, the crus of clitoris. The bulb of the vestibule (blue) also consists of erectile tissue. Below the bulb is a Bartholin gland, which secretes mucus to lubricate the vagina. BO VEISLAND/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY Vulvar cancer begins on the surface of the vulva. Most of these cancers grow slowly, remaining on the surface for years. However, some (for example, melanomas) grow quickly. Untreated, vulvar cancer can eventually invade the vagina, the urethra, or the anus and spread into lymph nodes in the pelvis and abdomen and into the bloodstream. 