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Vulvar cancer

vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the skin of the vulva. vulvar cancer is also called labia cancer. This cancer mainly occurs in women over the age of 60. But younger women can also get it. Every year, about 450 people in the Netherlands get vulvar cancer.

On this page you can read more about the symptoms, examinations and treatments for vulvar cancer.

De Gynaecoloog Voert Een Gesprek Met De Patiënt In De Spreekkamer

Department of Gynaecology

Read more about our specialists, news and examinations for vulval cancer on the page of our Gynaecology department.
To the department

More information about vulval cancer

Causes of vulval cancer

There is no one clear cause of vulval cancer. However, there are diseases that increase the risk of this type of cancer, such as:

  • Lichen sclerosus (a skin disease of the vulva)
  • A long-term infection with HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
  • Morbus Paget (a rare skin disease)

These diseases can cause restless or abnormal cells in the vulva. These cells are not yet cancerous, but can be a precursor to cancer.

There are two types of precancerous vulvar cancer:

  • Differentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (dVIN). This occurs in women with lichen sclerosus.
  • High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). This is due to the HPV virus.

Symptoms of vulval cancer

  • A bump or wound that does not close or bleeds easily
  • Pain or burning sensation
  • Itch
  • Blood loss
  • A distressing feeling when urinating

Examination and diagnosis

To be able to diagnose vulvar cancer, various tests are possible. Your doctor will discuss with you which diagnostic tests are needed:

Biopsie verpleegkundigen

Tissue biopsy
Lichamelijk onderzoek Winan van Houdt

Physical examination
Bloedbuisjes

Blood tests
inwendige echo

Hysteroscopy
CT Scan handen

CT scan

X-ray

Sentinel node biopsy (scintigraphy)

Vulvar cancer treatment

The treatment you receive depends on the type of tumor. Your health and fitness also play a role. The doctor will explain well in advance what is going to happen, and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. You will receive one or more of the following treatments:

Surgery for vulvar cancer

Chemotherapy

Radiotherapy

Waiting

We want to inform you as well as possible about the waiting time per condition. We do this based on a prognosis of the current waiting list. The waiting time can vary from patient to patient for various reasons. Your attending physician will give you more information during your outpatient consultation.

  • 7 days

    Rapid diagnostics

    This is approximately how long it will take before you can start rapid diagnostics at the NKI

  • 26 days

    Second opinion

    It will take approximately 26 days before you can come in for a second opinion

  • 11 days

    First appointment

    This is approximately how long it will take until you have your first appointment

Read more about your first appointment or second opinion

Make an appointment

Second opinion or transfer
Still Vulvakanker Campagne Vid

Don't let taboo cancer play a role anymore

Shame, fear and a lack of knowledge often cause people to seek help too late. This often results in heavier treatment or less chance of a cure. That is why the NKI has started a campaign to encourage people to talk about it and to discuss any complaints. The campaign consists of stimulating and informative videos and podcast episodes with stories of experience.
Watch the videos here and listen to the podcast

Disclaimer

This translation was generated automatically based on information in Dutch. It has not been reviewed by a medical specialist. The purpose of this translation is to make our information accessible to non-Dutch speakers. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your treating physician. The Netherlands Cancer Institute cannot guarantee the accuracy of this translation. For medical questions or advice, please consult your physician.

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