Is vulvar cancer a common disease in women?

No, vulvar cancer is not considered a common disease; it is classified as a rare type of cancer that develops in a woman's external genital organs, known as the vulva [3]. Statistics indicate that it accounts for only about 0.3% of new cancer cases annually [4]. This type of cancer usually grows very slowly over several years and is often preceded by a condition known as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or pre-cancerous cells [3]. Although most cases of this condition do not necessarily turn into cancer, early detection and treatment remain crucial to ensure the best health outcomes.

Symptoms that warrant medical evaluation

In the early stages of the disease, vulvar cancer often causes no obvious symptoms, which may delay diagnosis. However, a woman should see a specialist for a thorough examination if she notices any of the following signs that could indicate a health issue in the vulvar region [3]:

• The appearance of a lump or bump in the vulvar area.
• Persistent itching, pain, or hypersensitivity in the area.
• Vaginal bleeding not associated with the natural menstrual cycle.
• Noticeable changes in the appearance of the skin of the vulva, such as discoloration, open sores, or wart-like growths that do not heal.

For more details on early signs and how to assess risk factors, you can read our specialized article on Vulvar Cancer: Symptoms, Risk Factors, and the Importance of Early Detection (Arabic).

Diagnosis and determining risk factors

The risk of developing this type of cancer increases in women who have a medical history that includes human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or previous cases of genital warts [3]. An accurate medical diagnosis is based on a comprehensive physical examination by a specialist, followed primarily by a biopsy (tissue sample) to be tested in a laboratory to confirm the nature of the cells [3].

Treatment options and follow-up care

The treatment protocol varies based on the patient's health status, the stage of the tumor, and personal preferences. Available treatment options include surgical intervention (such as radical local excision or vulvectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy [1]. In surgery, doctors always aim to remove the affected tissue completely while preserving the woman's natural functions as much as possible [1].

Signs that require immediate medical attention

If a patient is undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, extreme caution regarding complications like infection or bleeding is required. You should contact your doctor immediately if emergency symptoms appear after treatment, such as high temperature (fever), chills, obvious difficulty breathing, persistent or bloody diarrhea, or any signs indicating an infection at intravenous injection sites, such as severe redness or swelling [2]. Periodic follow-up with the medical team is the essential key to monitoring the body's response and detecting any indicators of disease recurrence, with the emphasis that treatment plans are tailored according to the individual circumstances of each patient [1].

Medical references

• Vulvar Cancer Treatment
• After chemotherapy - discharge
• Vulvar Cancer
• Vulvar Cancer — Cancer Stat Facts