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Understanding Vulval Cancer
What is Vulval Cancer?
Vulval cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the external female genitalia, called the vulva. The vulva includes the outer parts of the vagina, including the labia, clitoris, and the vaginal opening. This type of cancer generally develops slowly over many years, often starting as a pre-cancerous condition known as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of vulval cancer can vary but commonly include persistent itching, pain, or soreness, unusual lumps or ulcers, and changes in skin colour or texture on the vulva. Other signs might include unexplained bleeding or unusual discharge. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if any of these symptoms are observed, as early detection improves treatment outcomes.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of vulval cancer is not known, but several risk factors can contribute to its development. These include age (most cases occur in women over 65), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking, a weakened immune system, and a history of skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus. Genetic factors may also play a role.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may require a biopsy to examine any suspicious areas of tissue. Other diagnostic tests can include imaging methods such as MRI or CT scans to determine if cancer has spread. For women in the UK, regular gynaecological check-ups are crucial for early detection.
Treatment Options
Treatment for vulval cancer depends on the stage and extent of the disease. Surgery is the most common treatment, which may involve removing the tumour and a small margin of healthy tissue. In advanced cases, radiotherapy or chemotherapy may be necessary. The NHS provides comprehensive care, and many treatment plans include multidisciplinary teams of specialists.
Support and Resources
In the UK, organisations such as Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK offer resources and support for those affected by vulval cancer. Local support groups and professional counselling can also provide emotional support and practical assistance during treatment and recovery.
Understanding Vulval Cancer
What is Vulval Cancer?
Vulval cancer is a sickness that starts in a woman's lower private parts. These parts include the labia, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina. This cancer usually grows very slowly over time. It can start as a small change called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of vulval cancer can be itching, pain, or sores that don’t go away. You might also see unusual bumps, skin color changes, bleeding, or liquid that is not normal. If you notice these signs, talk to a doctor. Finding out early can help make treatment better.
Causes and Risk Factors
We don’t know exactly what causes vulval cancer. But certain things can make it more likely, like being older than 65, having HPV infection, or smoking. Other reasons can be having a weak body's defense system or skin problems like lichen sclerosus. Family genes might also be a reason.
Diagnosis
To find out if someone has vulval cancer, doctors usually look at the body and might take a small piece of tissue to check. Other tests like MRI or CT scans might show if the cancer has moved. In the UK, regular female health check-ups are important for early finding.
Treatment Options
How we treat vulval cancer depends on how much it has grown. Surgery is common and means taking out the cancer and a little bit of healthy tissue around it. If it's serious, doctors might also use radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The NHS in the UK helps with care, using teams of experts.
Support and Resources
In the UK, groups like Macmillan Cancer Support and Cancer Research UK give help to people with vulval cancer. You can also find local support groups and talk to someone for emotional help and practical advice during and after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vulval cancer?
Vulval cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the external female genital organs, including the labia, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.
Who is at risk of developing vulval cancer?
Risk factors include advanced age (most common in women over 65), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a history of vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), smoking, and a weakened immune system.
What are the symptoms of vulval cancer?
Symptoms may include persistent itching, pain or tenderness, skin changes such as colour changes or thickening, a lump or ulcer, and abnormal bleeding or discharge.
How is vulval cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, biopsy of the lesion, and imaging tests like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to determine the spread of the disease.
What are the main treatment options for vulval cancer?
Treatment options include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and spread of the cancer.
Can vulval cancer be prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent vulval cancer, but reducing risk factors like smoking, practicing safe sex to avoid HPV infection, and regular gynecological check-ups can help.
Is there a screening program for vulval cancer?
There is no national screening program for vulval cancer in the UK, but regular gynecological exams can help in early detection.
What should I do if I have symptoms of vulval cancer?
If you experience symptoms, you should consult your GP or a gynecologist for an evaluation as soon as possible.
How common is vulval cancer in the UK?
Vulval cancer is relatively rare, with about 1,300 new cases diagnosed each year in the UK.
What is the survival rate for vulval cancer?
The survival rate depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage vulval cancer has a high survival rate, whereas advanced-stage cancer has a lower rate.
Can HPV vaccination reduce the risk of vulval cancer?
Yes, the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers, including vulval cancer.
Are there support groups for women with vulval cancer?
Yes, there are several support groups and organizations in the UK, such as Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support, that provide resources and support for women with vulval cancer.
Does vulval cancer affect fertility?
Treatment for vulval cancer can affect fertility, especially if extensive surgery is required. It's important to discuss fertility preservation options with your doctor before starting treatment.
What follow-up care is needed after vulval cancer treatment?
Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are important to monitor for recurrence, manage any side effects of treatment, and maintain overall health.
Can men get vulval cancer?
No, vulval cancer affects female genital organs. Men cannot get vulval cancer as they do not have vulval tissue.
What is vulval cancer?
Vulval cancer is when cells in the vulva start to grow in a way that is not normal.
The vulva is the area of skin around the opening of the vagina.
If you have questions, ask a doctor or nurse.
Using picture guides or videos can help you understand more.
Vulval cancer is a rare sickness. It happens in the private parts outside a woman's body. This includes the soft skin areas called the labia, the little bump called the clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.
Who can get vulval cancer?
Some people have a higher chance of getting vulval cancer. Let's talk about who these people are:
- Women over 65 years old
- People who have had human papillomavirus (HPV)
- People with a weak immune system
- People who smoke
- People with certain skin conditions
If you want more help to understand, you can:
- Ask a doctor or nurse
- Look at pictures or diagrams about vulval cancer
- Use simple videos that explain vulval cancer
Some things can make vulval cancer more likely. These are:
- Being older, especially women over 65 years old.
- Having a virus called HPV.
- Having had skin changes called VIN before.
- Smoking cigarettes.
- Having a weak immune system.
If reading is hard, try using a ruler to follow the text or ask someone to read with you. You can also use audiobooks or text-to-speech software.
What are the signs of vulval cancer?
Vulval cancer is a kind of cancer. It happens in the vulva, the area around a woman's private parts. Here are some signs that might mean vulval cancer:
- Sore or lump that doesn't go away
- Itching that lasts a long time
- Changes in skin color or thickening
- Bleeding or unusual discharge
- Pain or burning when peeing
If you notice these signs, it's important to tell a doctor. Reading tools like text-to-voice apps can help if reading is hard. You can also ask someone you trust to read with you.
Signs to look for may be:
- Itching: When your skin feels very scratchy for a long time.
- Pain or Tenderness: When your skin hurts or feels sore.
- Skin Changes: Look for differences in skin color or if the skin feels thicker.
- Lump or Ulcer: A bump or sore that looks like it is not healing.
- Bleeding or Discharge: When there is unusual blood or liquid coming from your skin.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to talk to an adult or see a doctor.
Using a magnifying glass and good lighting can help you see skin changes better.
How do doctors find out if someone has vulval cancer?
Doctors use special tests to see if a person has vulval cancer. Here is how they do it:
- Doctor's Check-up: A doctor looks at the vulva to check for any changes.
- Biopsy: The doctor takes a tiny piece of skin from the vulva to look at it closely.
- Scans: Sometimes, doctors take pictures inside the body using machines like ultrasound or MRI to see if cancer is there.
If you or someone you know is worried about vulval cancer, using picture guides or videos can help understand better. Talking to a friend or family member can also be supportive.
Doctors check your body to find out what is wrong. They might take a small piece of the sick area, called a biopsy, to look at it closely. Doctors might also use pictures from machines like MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to see how much the sickness has spread.
What are the main ways to treat vulval cancer?
Here is how doctors can help:
- Surgery: Doctors can remove the cancer with an operation.
- Radiotherapy: This uses strong rays, like X-rays, to kill the cancer.
- Chemotherapy: These are special medicines that kill cancer cells.
If you want to learn more, you can:
- Ask your doctor or nurse for easy-to-read information.
- Use websites that read the text out loud.
- Watch videos that explain vulval cancer in simple language.
There are different ways to treat cancer. Doctors might do surgery to take out the cancer. They can also use special rays called radiotherapy. Another way is to use strong medicine called chemotherapy. Sometimes, doctors use a special treatment called targeted therapy. What treatment you get depends on how big or how much the cancer has spread.
Can you stop vulval cancer from happening?
You can't always stop vulval cancer from happening, but you can do things to make it less likely. Try not to smoke, have safe sex to avoid getting HPV, and go to the doctor for regular check-ups. This can help you stay healthy.
Here are some tools and tips that might help:
- Ask a doctor or nurse if you have any questions.
- Use easy-to-read books or websites to learn more.
- If you're not sure what to do, ask someone to help you. This could be a family member, a friend, or a teacher.
Can doctors check for vulval cancer?
Doctors do not have a special test for vulval cancer for everyone. But they can do checks if you have signs. Tell your doctor if you notice anything different, like lumps or spots. You can also ask questions.
Helpful tools: You can use pictures or videos to help understand. It's okay to bring a friend to the doctor to help you.
In the UK, there isn't a special test for everyone to check for vulval cancer. But, going to the doctor for regular check-ups can help find it early.
What should I do if I feel sick with vulval cancer?
If you don't feel well, go see your local doctor or a doctor who helps with women's health soon.
How often do people get vulval cancer in the UK?
Vulval cancer is not very common. This means not many people get it.
If you want to understand better, you can:
- Ask a doctor or nurse to explain.
- Look for pictures or diagrams to help you understand.
Vulval cancer is not very common. In the UK, about 1,300 people find out they have it each year.
How many people live after having vulval cancer?
The chance of living is different depending on when the cancer is found. If doctors find vulval cancer early, people have a good chance of getting better. But if the cancer is found late, the chance of getting better is lower.
Tips to understand better:
- Ask someone to read with you.
- Use apps that read text out loud.
Can the HPV vaccine help stop vulval cancer?
Getting the HPV vaccine can help keep you safe from vulval cancer. The vaccine protects against the virus that can cause cancer.
Support tip: Talk to a doctor or nurse to learn more about the vaccine and how it can help you stay healthy.
Yes, the HPV vaccine can help to stop HPV-related cancers. This includes cancers like vulval cancer.
Can women with vulval cancer get help from support groups?
Yes, there are groups that help. These groups let women talk and share their feelings. They can meet friends and learn more about vulval cancer. Some groups meet in person, and some meet online.
It can be good to talk with someone who understands. Support groups are a safe place to ask questions. It is also okay to just listen.
Yes, there are groups in the UK that help women with vulval cancer. Two big ones are Cancer Research UK and Macmillan Cancer Support. They give help and information.
Can vulval cancer stop someone from having babies?
Treatment for vulval cancer can make it hard to have babies, especially if you need a big surgery. Talk to your doctor before treatment to learn how to protect your ability to have children.
What care is needed after treatment for vulval cancer?
After treatment for cancer of the vulva, you need special care to stay healthy.
- Check-ups: Regular visits to the doctor are important. The doctor will check to make sure you are okay.
- Talking to Someone: It can help to talk to a counselor or join a support group. This helps with feelings and questions you might have.
- Healthy Habits: Eating healthy food and getting exercise make your body strong. Follow advice from your doctor about this.
If you need help understanding, ask someone you trust to read with you or use voice tools that read the text out loud.
It is important to see your doctor regularly. This helps check if the illness comes back and to look after your health. It also helps make sure any medicine or treatment is okay for you.
Can men have vulval cancer?
No, men cannot have vulval cancer. Only people with a vulva can get vulval cancer. Men do not have a vulva.
If you want to know more about this, you can talk to a doctor. They can help explain things clearly. You can also look for pictures and simple books about the body to learn more.
No, only women can get vulval cancer. This is because it happens in a part of the body that only women have.
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- Ergsy carfully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings .
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.