What is cancer of the vulva? What are its causes and risk factors?
Cancer of the vulva is a rare type of gynecological cancer found in the tissues of the vulva, or outer vagina. It is found primarily in women over fifty, but it is seen with increasing frequency in women under 40 as well. Histologically, vulvar cancer is predominantly squamous cell in type, although other types including basal cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, sarcoma, histiocytosis X, or malignant melanoma do occur. Evidence suggests that HPV is a risk factor for vulvar cancer and its development, in many cases, is preceded by condyloma or squamous dysplasias. Women who have constant itching and changes in the color or appearance of the vulva are at high risk for developing vulvar cancer.
