What is vulvar cancer?

  Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor growing in the mucous membrane of the vulvar skin. The most common medical type is vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common vulvar malignancy, accounting for about 90% of cases and occurring mainly in postmenopausal women. The occurrence of vulvar cancer is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and smoking from vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or with chronic non-neoplastic skin mucosal lesions, such as vulvar squamous epithelial hyperplasia and sclerosing moss, commonly known as vulvar leukoplakia. Therefore, active prevention of HPV infection and aggressive treatment of vulvar lesions can effectively prevent the occurrence of vulvar cancer.  Squamous cell carcinoma of vulva usually occurs in the labia majora, but can also grow in any part of vulva. The main manifestations are prolonged and persistent vulvar itching and various forms of swellings, such as nodular, cauliflower and ulcerated. Pain, oozing, and bleeding may occur in cases of co-infection or advanced cancer. Microscopically, most vulvar squamous carcinomas are well differentiated, with keratinized beads and intercellular bridges. Treatment is mainly surgical, supplemented by radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Surgical treatment emphasizes individualization and minimizes the scope of surgery without affecting the prognosis, in order to preserve the anatomical structure of vulva and improve the quality of life.  The prognosis of vulvar cancer is related to the size, location, stage, tumor differentiation, presence or absence of lymph node metastasis and treatment measures. Among them, lymph node metastasis is the most important. The 5-year survival rate of those with lymph node metastasis is about 50%, while the 5-year survival rate of those without lymph node metastasis is 90%. Postoperative follow-up is every 1-2 months in the first year and every 3 months in the second year.