Vulvar cancer treatment

Vulvar cancer is a malignant disease that is accompanied by the development of a tumor on the female external genitalia. Most often, the neoplasm is localized on the labia majora and clitoris, less often in the perineum, urethra and vaginal entrance.

Vulvar cancer is a fairly rare type of oncopathology and occurs mainly in women after 55-60 years of age. The development of a malignant tumor is usually preceded by precancerous conditions - dysplasia or intraepithelial neoplasia of the vulva. They are accompanied by the appearance of atypical cells that are not malignant, but significantly increase the risk of cancer.

With timely diagnosis, the disease is well treatable, while in later stages the prognosis is less favorable.

To determine the stage of cancer, oncologists assess the tumor according to the international TNM system:

• tumor size;
• spread to lymph nodes;
• presence of metastases.

Accordingly, the diagnosis may look like T1N1M0, T2N0M0, etc., where the numbers indicate the degree of damage by each parameter. Since such a system remains incomprehensible to patients, a simplified one began to be used.

According to it, 5 stages of vulvar cancer are distinguished:

• Stage 0 - malignant cells are located on the surface of the organ;
• Stage 1 - the tumor size is about 2 cm, it grows into the tissues of the vulva by 1 mm or more, while the lymph nodes and adjacent organs are not affected, there are no metastases;
• Stage 2 - the tumor can be of any size, there is germination into the vagina, uterus or rectum, but the lymph nodes are not affected and there are no metastases;
• Stage 3 – the listed symptoms are accompanied by damage to nearby lymph nodes;
• Stage 4 – accompanied by the development of distant metastases.

To diagnose the disease, you need to contact an obstetrician-gynecologist. During the consultation, the doctor will ask about your complaints and study your medical history, after which he will conduct an examination.

Examination for vulvar cancer may include:

• gynecological examination using mirrors - the doctor visually and by palpation assesses the size and condition of the genitals;
• extended colposcopy - examination of the walls of the vagina and cervix through a magnifying device with a test with iodine solution to detect dysplasia;
• smear of urogenital discharge and analysis for sexually transmitted infections;
• scraping and cytological analysis;
• ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• biopsy (taking a sample of tissue from the tumor) and histological analysis.

Only histological analysis can confirm the malignant nature of the tumor. To do this, a biopsy of the tumor is performed - a small amount of tissue is taken using a thin needle. After that, the sample is sent to the laboratory, where specialists evaluate the structure of the cells.

After that, immunohistochemical analysis may be required to clarify the type of tumor, and ultrasound, computed tomography and other studies may be required to determine its size, assess the condition of the lymph nodes and the presence of metastases.

Vulvar cancer is treated with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include several types of therapy.

Depending on the stage of the disease, patients are prescribed:

• surgical treatment;
• radiation therapy;
• chemotherapy;
• targeted therapy;
• immunotherapy.

In the early stages, surgery is usually performed first. It may involve partial or complete removal of vulva tissue, as well as nearby lymph nodes if affected.

If the tumor is inoperable, the doctor may first prescribe radiation or chemotherapy to reduce its size and perform radical surgery.

After the tumor is removed, chemotherapy may also be required to prevent recurrence and treat metastases.

In some cases, targeted therapy is also used – drugs that directly affect malignant cells are prescribed, or immunotherapy – which enhances the body's protective functions to fight the tumor.

In each case, the treatment program is drawn up individually, but based on state and international protocols.

Oxford Medical is a large medical center with a modern oncology department. The clinic has all the conditions for accurate diagnostics and effective treatment. We employ some of the best oncologists and surgeons in Kyiv and Ukraine with many years of experience, who are familiar with all modern methods of cancer treatment, including targeted and immunotherapy.

Surgical treatment is performed in a high-tech surgical hospital with two operating rooms, an intensive care unit and intensive care wards. Operations are performed using both classical and minimally invasive techniques.

To make an appointment for a consultation, call our contact center or write to the chat on the website.

Risk factors for vulvar cancer include:

• hormonal disorders in the body;
• hormonal changes during menopause;
• inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system;
• infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV);
• dysplasia, leukoplakia and other precancerous conditions;
• diabetes;
• hypertension;
• obesity;
• genetic predisposition;
• smoking;
• unfavorable environment, etc.

To prevent the disease, women are recommended to get vaccinated against HPV in a timely manner, visit a gynecologist 1-2 times a year, treat all diseases in a timely manner and lead a healthy lifestyle.