Vulvar Cancer & the Implications of Delayed Diagnosis

Cancer in women, of any type, leads to complications of both physical health as well as psychological health. For women who suffer from cancer of the gynecological system, these complications can be compounded, especially when that form of cancer is considered rare with little to no research or information.
One such form of gynecological cancer seen among both young and elder women involves that of vulvar cancer. Considered a rare form of cancer in women, affecting approximately 3,000 women each year, when untreated or undiagnosed this form of cancer is often fatal.

For women who are young, vulvar cancer is believed to be directly related to infection associated with HPV, the virus that also causes cervical cancer. In older women, however, vulvar cancer is believed to be associated with a change in vaginal tissues, resulting in chronic inflammation, which is then exacerbated by home remedy or self treatment. This theory, known as the "itch-scratch-lichen sclerosus" lends the origin of vulvar cancer to a self-induced complication.

Without regard to the cause and origin of vulvar cancer, women who suffer from lesion development in the vaginal area, are encouraged to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Often, with early diagnosis, any lesions or tumors suspected as vulvar cancer can be removed, with tissue resection. In advanced stages of vulvar cancer, surgery may involve more than lesion or tumor removal, with removal also including the removal of lymph nodes in and around the groin area.

Once surgery is complete, the use of chemotherapy or radiation therapy is usually recommended but this will depend upon the degree to which the vulvar cancer has spread to the groin tissue, bones and surrounding lymph nodes. Ideally, if treated early, the advanced stages of treatment, involving groin and lymph nodes, can be avoided. However, when required, the women can expect long term health complications involving groin pain and swelling in the legs.