Vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the genitalia of the female genital tract. It can affect different parts of the vulva, such as the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and perineum (portion of skin between the vagina and anus).

Carcinoma of the vulva is a rare neoplasm that accounts for approximately 3-5% of female genital tract neoplasms with a higher incidence in women older than 75 years of age. 

Vulvar cancer commonly presents as an ulcerated vulvar nodule or lesion that often causes itching. 

There are several types of vulvar cancer, each with specific characteristics that affect the choice of treatment and the prospects for cure.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most frequent histotype accounting for 85-90% of vulvar malignancies. It develops from the thin, flat (squamous) cells that cover the vulva and can be of 2 types: 

• keratinizing (found mainly in older women and not related to the presence of Papilloma virus infection); 
• verrucous (takes on the appearance of a slow-growing wart and generally has a good prognosis). 

In contrast, 2-5% of vulvar cancers are malignant melanomas, that is a type of skin cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells. It presents as a dark mole or pigmented lesion at the level of the external genitalia.

Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that develops from the cells of glands in the vulva, particularly those of the Bartolini, and accounts for 1-3% of vulvar cancers. 

Other rare types of vulvar cancers include sarcoma, a type of cancer that develops from the soft tissues of the vulva such as muscle and connective tissues, and Paget's carcinoma, a very rare form of skin neoplasm.