Vulva :
The vulva, which is part of a woman’s genitals, is at the opening of the vagina (birth canal). Vulvar cancer is classified based on the types of cells where it begins.
The vulva includes the following main parts:
Bartholin glands, which help lubricate the vagina during sex. One is on each side of the opening of the vagina.
Two skin folds around the opening of the vagina:
• Outer lips (labia majora), which are larger and have hair
• Inner lips (labia minora), which are small and do not have hair
Clitoris, which helps a woman feel sexual stimulation
The main types of vulvar cancer are:
Squamous cell, which is a wart-like growth. Verrucous vulvar cancer is a subtype. This cancer often can be treated successfully. It is the main type of vulvar cancer.
Adenocarcinoma usually starts in the Bartholin glands or sweat glands in the vulva. These make up about 8% of vulvar cancers. Paget disease of the vulva is a type of adenocarcinoma in which the cancer cells are in the top layer of skin.
Melanoma is a skin cancer that starts in cells that make pigment.
Sarcomas may be found in children as well as adults. These rare types of vulvar cancer start in the muscles or bones.
Vulvar cancer causes & risk factors
Risk factors for Vulvar Cancer
- Age: More than half of women who develop vulvar cancer are over 70 years old.
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
- Smoking tobacco
- HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), a precancerous condition usually caused by HPV
- Cervical cancer
- Melanoma or atypical moles on other parts of the body
- Family history of melanoma