Types of Women's Cancer

Vulvar Cancer—Cancer of the external female genitalia-- is being diagnosed earlier thanks to routine gynecologic care. At the early stages, vulvar cancer is highly curable.

Symptoms

• Lump or irritated area on external genitalia
• Itching
• Pain and/or burning
• Bleeding or unusual discharge

Risk Factors

• History of genital warts (HPV)
• Age (postmenopausal women at higher risk)
• History of cervical cancer
• History of sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis and herpes simplex II virus
• Multiple sex partners

Treatment

In recent years, there has been a trend toward chemotherapy and radiation therapy used before surgery. Depending on the extent of surgery, reconstruction of the vulva area may be necessary.