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Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease, accounting for approximately 5% of all gynecological cancer diagnoses. It develops in the external genitalia. While the majority of affected individuals are middle-aged and older women, the disease can also occur in younger women. More than 50% of women with vulvar cancer are over 70 years old.

Vulvar cancer is a rare malignancy primarily affecting the external female genitalia. It typically presents with symptoms like persistent itching, sores, or lumps in the vulva, and may involve lymph node spread. Diagnosis often involves a biopsy, followed by imaging or further assessments to determine the cancer's extent. Treatment options range from surgical resection to radiochemotherapy for advanced cases. While the disease predominantly affects older women, it can also occur in younger individuals. Early detection and multidisciplinary care are key to improving outcomes and preserving quality of life.

The most common symptoms of vulvar cancer include:

  • Persistent itching or burning in the vulvar area
  • A sore that does not heal over time
  • The presence of a lump or mass in the vulva
  • A noticeable or enlarged lymph node in the groin

These symptoms should not be ignored, as early detection plays a crucial role in effective treatment. If you experience any of these signs, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

For diagnosis, a biopsy of the suspected lesion in the vulva is required. If cancer is confirmed, further investigations are conducted to rule out spread to the inguinal lymph nodes. Only after this should the tumor be removed, often through a tumor-adapted resection with an assessment of the sentinel node. The goal is to identify patients with regional spread, which indicates a worse prognosis and may therefore benefit from more extensive lymph node surgery and, in some cases, additional oncological treatment. The sentinel node technique has high sensitivity, few side effects, and improves the prognosis.

There are several treatment options available for vulvar cancer; however, the diagnosis can profoundly affect a patient's quality of life and sexual well-being. As a result, multidisciplinary care is crucial. For cases involving metastatic or advanced-stage vulvar cancer, radiochemotherapy—a treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy—is considered one of the most critical therapeutic approaches.