Cancer - vulva

Definition

Vulvar cancer is cancer that starts in the vulva, the outside part of the female reproductive system that includes the labia and clitoris. The vulva opens into the vagina.

Alternative Names

Causes

Vulvar cancer most often affects the labia, the folds of skin found outside the vagina. In some cases, vulvar cancer may start on the clitoris or in glands on the sides of the vaginal opening. The majority of vulvar cancers begin in skin cells called squamous cells. The others are classified as melanoma, adenocarcinoma, sarcoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

Vulvar cancer is relatively rare. The cause is unknown, but a sexually-transmitted disease such as human papilloma virus (HPV, or genital warts) may play a role.

Cancer of the vulva usually occurs after menopause, typically in women age 50 or older. However, 15% of cases occur in women age 40 or younger.

Risk factors include previous HPV infection, previous cervical cancer or vaginal cancer, syphilis infection, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Women with a condition called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) have a greater risk of developing vulvar cancer that spreads. However, most cases of VIN never lead to cancer.

References

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2006.

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Clinical Practice Guidelines: Vulvar cancer. Oncology. 1998;12:275-282.