1. What is vulva cancer?

Following cervical cancer, endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, vulvar cancer ranks fourth in the incidence of cancers attacking the female genital system, accounting for three percent to five percent of female genital tract malignant tumors and is a cancer occurring in the outer surface area of female genital tract. Squamous cell carcinoma is the main histological type, accounting for about 90 percent of vulvar cancer.

2. Early symptom recognition of vulvar cancer.

If vulvar pruritus cannot be cured over an extended period and the cause cannot be established, the possibility of vulvar cancer should be considered.

There are white spots or streaks on the vulva – the external female genitalia – which has a hard, rough feeling when touched.

There are soybean-sized nodules or papillary masses in the vulva with pruritus.

The vulva often presents with a long-lasting sunken hard-base ulcer, accompanied by pain and bleeding symptoms.

3. High risk factors for vulvar cancer.

HPV infections;

Vulva sexually transmitted diseases;

History of vulvar precancerous lesions;

Immunosuppression;

Smoking;

Chronic nonneoplastic cutaneous mucosal lesions.

4. Preventive measures for vulvar cancer.

(1). Pay attention to all kinds of discomforting symptoms of the vulva: such as itching, pain, ulceration, bleeding, etc, remember not to tolerate them, but to seek medical treatment in time.

(2). Pay attention to the color changes of the vulva: such as whitening, local black spots, nevi, purple-black nodules, etc. See a doctor promptly when abnormalities are found.

(3). Attention should be paid to avoid picking or scratching the induration and mass of vulva minister by hand and seek medical treatment promptly.

(4). Pay attention to the cleanliness and hygiene of the vulva, avoid exposure and reduce the risk of syphilis, warts and other venereal diseases.

(5). Maintain a good lifestyle, enhance body resistance and vaccinate against HPV when necessary.