Ency. home > Disease > C > Cancer - vulva

Cancer - vulva   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Cancer - perineum

Definition:

Cancer of the vulva are tumors that originate at the external structures of the reproductive tract (the labia, the vaginal opening, the urethral opening, and the clitoris). Approximately 85% of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. About 5% are melanoma, 2% sarcoma, 1% basal cell carcinoma, and 1% adenocarcinomas.

Causes and Risks

A causative agent has not been identified, but a sexually transmitted disease such as human papilloma virus (HPV - genital warts) may play a role. Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 5% of all gynecological cancers and less than 1% of all new cancers in women. It usually occurs in postmenopausal women with peak incidence between 65 and 75 years of age. However, 15% of the cases occur in women 40 years or younger. Risk factors include previous HPV infection, previous cervical cancer or vaginal cancer, syphillis infection, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

Ency. home > Disease > C > Cancer - vulva

[an error occurred while processing this directive]