Generalities
Definition
There are different types of vulvar cancers, depending on the tissue of origin of the cancer:
• epithelial carcinoma (the cells of the most superficial layer of the epidermis)
• basal cell carcinoma (the deepest layer of the epidermis)
• adenocarcinoma (the glandular tissue of the vulva)
• melanoma (the pigment cells of the skin)
The most common is cancer of epithelial origin, also called squamous cell carcinoma, it represents 80% of cancers.
Vulvar cancer represents about 5% of cancers in women, and particularly affects elderly women (but not only) who escape regular gynecological follow-up.
At-risk populations
Underlying dermatological disease (lichen, Paget's disease); classically older women
HPV virus (as in cervical and vaginal cancer); classically younger women
Anatomy
The term vulva refers to all of the female external genitalia.
The vulva extends from the pubis to the anus.
Symptoms
The main symptoms found are:
• itchy vulva
• wound, ulceration
• bloody or purulent discharge
• pain
• glands in the groin
• leukoplakia (whitish “plaque” appearance)
• “button”
• Black spot
• Difficulty urinating
• Difficulty sitting
• Bad smell
Evolution
The cancer is not a cancer at high risk of distant metastasis; it can nevertheless lead to damage to the lymph nodes in the vicinity of the cancer, in particular the inguinal nodes.
