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Cancer - Vulva
Alternate Names : Cancer - Perineum
DefinitionCancer of the vulva involves tumors that originate at the external structures of the reproductive tract (the labia, the vaginal opening, the urethral opening, and the clitoris).
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Approximately 90% of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinoma. About 5% are melanoma, 4% adenocarcinoma, 2% sarcoma, and 1% basal cell carcinoma.
The cause has not been identified, but a sexually transmitted disease such as human papilloma virus (HPV - genital warts) may play a role. Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 5% of all gynecological cancers and less than 1% of all new cancers in women.
Cancer of the vulva usually occurs in postmenopausal women with peak incidence between 65 and 75 years of age. However, 15% of the cases occur in women 40 years or younger. Risk factors include previous HPV infection, previous cervical cancer or vaginal cancer, syphilis infection, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
Early lesions of the vulva that may change into vulvar cancer are called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.
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• Definition
• Vulva Cancer Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Vulva Cancer Symptoms & Signs
• Vulva Cancer Prevention
• Vulva Cancer Diagnosis & Tests
• Vulva Cancer Treatment
• Vulva Cancer Prognosis
• Vulva Cancer Complications
• Vulva Cancer Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Diabetes
• Genital Warts
• Hypertension
• Squamous Cell Cancer
• Vaginal Tumors
Tests & Exams
• Biopsy
Other Topics
• Bleeding
• Cancer - Resources
• Erosion
• Itching
• Obesity
• Sexual Intercourse - Painful
• Urination - Painful
• Vulva
Review Date : 8/6/2002
Reviewed By : Kevin Knopf, M.D., M.P.H., Hematologist/Oncologist and Director of Clinical Research, Annapolis Oncology/Hematology Center, Annapolis, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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