What happens if you have vulvar cancer?
Cancer of the Vulva Who is at risk for cancer of the vulva? Usually women with cancer of the vulva fall into the 60 to 80 year old age group, though it can occur in premenopausal women. It is a fairly uncommon disease. Vulvular cancer which has not metastasized to other parts of the body is highly curable. What are some of the symptoms? Common symptoms include itching, burning, pain, and bleeding. A Pap smear and a biopsy are necessary to help diagnose whether these symptoms indicate cancer or whether an infection is present which may be causing the same symptoms. How is a biopsy taken in the vulvular area? The doctor will give a simple injection of local anesthetic. A small dermatologic punch is usually used to obtain a biopsy. The procedure is simple and almost painless. The doctor may use a colposcope in his routine checking of a suspicious growth in this area. This allows him to have a photographic recording of the site for future reference. What...