Wednesday, September 23, 2015

A Quick Overview of Vulvar Cancer


What is it? What causes it?
Vulvar cancer may be either squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinomas. The cancer is found on the vulva the external genitals of females. 
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes about half of all vulvar cancers. 

How many women will be diagnosed?
 Vulvar cancer is a rare gynecologic cancer. An estimated 5,510 women  will be diagnosed with vulvar cancer in 2015. An estimated 1,080 women will die from the disease in 2015. The survival rate (2005-2011) is 71.2 %.


What are the symptoms of vulvar cancer?
"Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time. This condition is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Because it is possible for VIN to become vulvar cancer, it is important to get treatment. " NCI

Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include a lump, bleeding, or itching.  

Is there a screening test for vulvar cancer ? 
There is no screening test for vulvar cancer. A physical exam, history  and biopsy will determine if the disease is present. 

What are the risk factors? 
vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
history of genital warts
many sexual partners
first sexual intercourse at a young age
history of abnormal Pap tests (Pap smears).

What treatments are given to women diagnosed with cervical cancer? 
 Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Biologic Therapy

 For more information please view this video by the Foundation for Women's Cancer

 
Dee
Every Day is a Blessing !
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