What is vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only 3%-5% of all tumors of the female reproductive system. Vulvar cancer is common in postmenopausal elderly women aged 60-70 years old, and can occur in any part of the vulva, mostly in the labia majora and minora, clitoris, around the urethral opening and vestibular gland.

I. Etiology

Its onset is related to vulvar leukoplakia, vulvar dryness and papilloma, etc. Chronic ulcers of the vulva can also be secondary to cancer.

Second, pathology

Vulvar malignant tumors include many tumors of different tissues and structures, common squamous epithelial cancer of the vulva, and a few adenocarcinoma occurring in the vestibular glands and vulvar sweat glands. Malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, sarcoma, and Paget's disease are rare.

III. Metastatic pathways

Local spread and lymphatic metastasis are the mainstays, and rarely hematogenous metastasis.

1. Lymphatic metastasis

is the main metastatic route. Firstly, it is transferred to the superficial inguinal lymph nodes, then to the deep inguinal lymph nodes, external iliac, occlusive and internal iliac lymph nodes, and finally to the para-aortic and left subclavian lymph nodes.

2. Local spread

After gradual enlargement of the tumor, it can invade the vagina and urethra along the mucous membrane to the cenotaph and rapidly involve the levator ani muscle, rectum and bladder.

Fourth, clinical manifestations

Often in the vulvar leukoplakia, vulvar itching for a long time on the basis of the emergence of painless lumps upset or ulcers, accompanied by local oozing, bleeding and other symptoms. If secondary infection or cancer invades to the deeper part of the body, pain occurs, and the inguinal lymph nodes are often gradually enlarged. Nodules, ulcers or irregular papillary swellings in the vulva can be seen on examination.

V. Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is generally not difficult. When nodules and ulcers appear on the vulva, especially if they occur on the basis of vulvar leukoplakia, a biopsy should be taken to clarify the diagnosis.

Sixth, prevention

1. Pay attention to vulvar cleanliness, to prevent vulvar lesions caused by urine scale and other chronic stimuli.

2. Actively treat vulvar leukoplakia, vulvar dryness, vulvar pruritus and chronic ulcers.

3. If there are nodules, ulcers and white lesions on the vulva that do not heal, consult a doctor and take a biopsy