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Vulva Cancer

Vulva cancer is a condition that is not found as often as other forms of cancer. It occurs in areas of the vulva, and can be treated in a number of ways. The condition can become severe relatively quickly if not treated, and the cancer has the potential to spread to other organs around the body if this is not prevented. Therefore it is important that any woman experiencing any of the symptoms or signs of vulval cancer should consult her local GP or gynaecologist immediately to have it examined.

The vulva is the external tissue around the vagina. Vulval cancer can occur in the labia majora, the labia minora or the clitoris. There are also two glands either side of the vagina that serve to lubricate the vagina and vulva, and these glands can also be affected by vulval cancer. Any pain or discomfort in this area could suggest the presence of cancer, although it is most likely a sign of a less severe problem. Many conditions present symptoms similar to the symptoms of vulval cancer.

This means that these symptoms will not result in cancer in most women, but it also means that many cases are overlooked or misdiagnosed. These symptoms, along with pain during urination or the presence of abnormal discharge, are the main signs of the early development of vulval cancer.

As with many types of cancer, the causes aren’t known for certain. A number of conditions and infections have been found to sometimes lead to the development of vulval cancer, and therefore if these conditions are diagnosed and treated early then the cancer can often be avoided. Studies have also linked oestrogen levels to the development of vulval cancer, and other similar forms of cancer. These studies show that higher levels of oestrogen may be causing the onset of cancer. Women who undergo hormone replacement therapy may be more susceptible to vulval cancer, as they are artificially increasing the levels of oestrogen in their bodies.

The main way to deal with vulval cancer is to perform surgery on the infected area. The cancerous tissue, and often the surrounding tissue may be cut away to prevent it spreading. If the lymph nodes near the vulva have been infected, the cancer may be spreading to other parts of the body. These are often removed, and then radiotherapy may be performed to ensure the cancer hasn’t spread any further.