Q & A: All you need to know about vulvar cancer and how to deal with it

Vaginal cancer is a cancer that occurs in women's external reproductive system, particularly prevalent in Western countries. There are 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year in Britain, but the incidence of vulvar cancer is rare and accounts for less than 1% of all cancers. The highest in North America and the lowest in Asia and Africa are in the middle. We give you here several clarifications in the Q & A on this cancer, of which we do not know much, which is one of the cancers which threaten the health of the women, according to the site "medical news".

The vagina includes the external genitalia of the woman, the opening of the vagina and the inner and outer lips covering the vagina, respectively called large and small labia, as well as the urethra and clitoris (small flesh above the vagina). 'urethra). 75% of cases.

But what are the symptoms of vulvar cancer?

Common symptoms of this condition are the growth of a small mass to the vulva, which may or may not be accompanied by continuous itching, or pain in urination and menstrual bleeding.

What types of vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer is divided into different types depending on the affected cells mainly.

The most common type of vulvar cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for more than 90% of all cases of vulvar cancer. Cancer begins here in the skin and outer layers.

It is called the second type of vulvar cancer, melanoma schizophrenia, which accounts for 4% of all cases, and develops in melanocytes and skin color.

The rare types of vulvar cancer include glands that affect cells that secrete the glands of the vulva?

Who is at risk of developing vulvar cancer?

Women over 65 are at high risk of developing vulvar cancer. In fact, out of 5 cases of vulvar cancer, advanced age and history of a skin condition called dermatitis are at least 3 to 4.

Other cases are women who have not yet reached menopause, but smoking is another major risk factor, as are women whose high-risk, HPV-specific strains can cause cervical cancer. uterus and may become so. The vulva too.

How to treat vulvar cancer?

The treatment consists primarily of a surgical procedure, which helps eliminate cancer as much as possible before starting treatment, for example by radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and most women undergoing treatment for vulvar cancer recover fully.

Seventy percent of people with vulvar cancer survive at least five years after diagnosis with appropriate treatment.

When diagnosed early, squamous cell carcinoma gives the best results with a five-year survival rate.