What are the main manifestations of vulvar cancer and the treatment methods for vulvar cancer

Malignant tumors of the external genitalia are mainly primary, accounting for approximately 4% of female genital tumors and 1-2% of female systemic tumors. Most vulvar cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, accounting for about 90% of malignant tumors of the vulva. The average age of onset is 50-60 years old, and there is also a possibility of onset before the age of 40.

Vulvar cancer most commonly occurs in the labia majora, followed by labia minora, vaginal vestibule, penis, etc. Firstly, local nodules or masses appear, gradually increasing in size, necrosis, rupture, infection, increased secretion, accompanied by itching and pain. The tumor can appear papillary or vegetable shaped, rapidly expanding and affecting the anus, rectum, bladder, etc.

Symptom manifestations

Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor of the external genitalia, which is not uncommon. It accounts for approximately 1% of all malignant tumors in the body and 5% of malignant tumors in the female reproductive tract. Primary squamous cell carcinoma is the main type, while secondary malignant tumors are relatively rare. Persistent itching of the vulva is the most common symptom of vulvar cancer, but itching is often not caused by the vulva itself, but is related to its precursor lesions or combined with other skin diseases. Early stage patients with vulvar cancer can be completely cured after surgical treatment, while late stage patients have extremely poor prognosis.

There are generally four symptoms of female genital cancer:

White spots: There are small, glossy white spots or stripes on the external genitalia, which fuse with each other to form a thick and shiny milky white color spot. When touched, there is a feeling of hardness and roughness.

Nodules: There are soybean sized nodules or papillary masses in the external genitalia, accompanied by itching around them.

Ulcer: A persistent concave hard base ulcer in the female genital area, accompanied by pain and bleeding, is often a signal of female genital cancer.

Pruritus: After excluding female genital pruritus caused by candida infection, pubic lice, scabies, vaginal trichomoniasis, etc., if the cause of genital pruritus persists for a long time and cannot be identified, and presents as stubborn itching, female genital cancer should be considered.

Pathogenic factors

1、 There is a close relationship between vulvar leukoplakia and the incidence of vulvar cancer

According to statistics, the incidence of vulvar leukoplakia before onset is about 30-50%. The understanding and diagnostic criteria for vulvar leukoplakia are not unified and should not be compared and analyzed. Currently, there are different opinions on this issue. The relatively consistent view is that the white patches on the skin and mucosa of the external genitalia are collectively referred to as white lesions and cannot be named based on clinical and microscopic features.