Other types of Cancer

Vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, representing 5% of total gynecologic malignancies. In terms of anatomy, the vulva includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, Bartholin’s glands and perineum. About 50% of vulvar cancer cases affect the labia majora, where this cancer commonly develops. The labia minora is affected in 15-20% of cases, while the other areas are more rarely affected.

In female patients under 50, vulvar cancer is caused by the progression of a persistent, severe vulvar dysplasia associated with chronic HPV infection in 75-100% of cases. Vulvar cancer and cervical cancer are very similar in terms of etiology and triggering mechanisms. Persistent and severe pre-existing vulvar dysplasia has NOTHING to do with HPV infection in older female patients.

The treatment of choice for vulvar cancer is surgical excision of the lesion with clear margins via complete or partial vulvectomy combined with inguinal lymph node dissection. Surgical removal and the absence of lymph node metastases signify an excellent prognosis for the patient.

Vaginal cancer
This is an even rarer type of gynecologic cancer, since it represents only 1% of total gynecologic malignancies as a primary condition (metastases from the cervix or endometrium to the vagina, i.e. as a secondary focus, is very common).

As in cervical cancer and vulvar cancer, a significant number of vaginal cancer cases are caused by persistent severe vaginal dysplasia due to HPV infection.

Vaginal cancer symptoms are NOT specific. Bleeding after intercourse, malodorous vaginal discharges and odd vaginal secretions are common symptoms in a WIDE range of gynecological conditions, most of which are benign. Therefore, annual gynecological tests including PAP smears may help with early diagnosis and treatment. 

Vaginal cancer treatment is mainly surgery-based with adjuvant radiotherapy. 

For most severe cases, the treatment of choice is primarily radiotherapy. It should be noted that if the vaginal cancer grows in close proximity to the uterine cervix and/or invades it, then it is treated as cervical cancer.