Cancer of the Vulva

Alternative names:

cancer of the perineum

Definition:

Tumors that originate at the external structures of the reproductive tract (the labia, the vaginal opening, the urethral opening, and the clitoris). Approximately 80% of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, 10% are malignant melanoma, 5% are glandular, 3% are basal cell carcinoma, and 2% are rare sarcomas.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A causative agent has not been identified, but a sexually transmitted disease such as human papilloma virus (HPV - genital warts) may play a role. Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 5% of all gynecological cancers and less than 1% of all new cancers in women. Whites are affected more than nonwhites. It usually occurs in postmenopausal women with peak incidence at 60 years of age. However, 15% of the cases occur in women 40 years or younger. Risk factors include previous HPV infection, previous cervical cancer or vaginal cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.