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Vulvar cancer mainly refers to malignant tumors occurring in the female vulvar area, commonly seen in the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and perineal region. Most cases are squamous cell carcinoma, which develops slowly but is strongly locally invasive, often accompanied by ulcers or nodules, and easily misdiagnosed as benign diseases.
It mostly occurs in women over 50 years old, especially postmenopausal women. Globally, the incidence is relatively high in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom; in Southeast Asia, cases are frequently reported in the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand. If not treated in time, it may invade the urethra, rectum, and even metastasize to lymph nodes.
Stage I: Tumor confined to vulva, relatively small in size
The tumor does not exceed 2 cm, with no lymph node involvement. The five-year survival rate exceeds 85%, and surgery can be curative.
Stage II: Local expansion without metastasis
The tumor exceeds 2 cm, involving adjacent tissues such as the lower urethra and vaginal vestibule, with no lymph node metastasis. The survival rate is about 65%-75%.
Stage III: Lymph node involvement
Cancer cells invade unilateral or bilateral inguinal lymph nodes, with obvious local symptoms. The five-year survival rate decreases to about 50%.
Stage IV: Distant organ or tissue metastasis
The tumor spreads to distant organs such as the bladder and rectum, or distant metastasis occurs. Prognosis is poor, with a five-year survival rate below 30%.
1. Persistent vulvar itching
Most patients initially experience abnormal itching in the vulvar area, especially at night, often mistaken for infection or eczema.
2. Small nodules or lumps
Hard small masses may be palpable, with rough or crusted surfaces. Over time, they gradually enlarge or develop into ulcers.
3. Vulvar ulceration or discharge
The lesion surface easily ulcerates, oozes fluid, and remains moist, sometimes accompanied by minor bleeding, persisting without healing.
4. Stinging or burning sensation
As the lesion progresses, patients often report local stinging or burning discomfort, which worsens after walking or friction.
5. Vulvar redness or discoloration
Some areas develop erythema, swelling, or darkened color, suggesting local tissue inflammation or malignancy.
6. Pain upon palpation
In the early stage, there is little pain, but as the disease worsens, nerve compression may cause persistent tenderness.
7. Urethral irritation symptoms
If the tumor is near the urethra, it can cause urinary difficulties, frequency, or pain, indicating urinary tract irritation.
8. Enlarged lymph nodes
In advanced stages, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes are common, with hard texture and tenderness or painless lumps.
9. Discomfort or bleeding during intercourse
Some patients, due to lesions near the vagina, experience pain during intercourse or light spotting.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind that early symptoms of vulvar cancer are often overlooked, especially in elderly women, who may mistake them for common inflammation. If persistent vulvar itching, nodules, or non-healing ulcers occur, malignancy should be highly suspected. Early screening combined with advanced therapies such as cell therapy can help reduce recurrence rates and extend survival.
