Vulvar Cancer Stages: An Overview
Vulvar cancer is a rare kind of cancer that occurs in the vulva. This is the exterior part of the genital organs, which protects the female’s reproductive system.
The vulva consists of the vaginal opening, the vagina, mons pubis, labia majora, clitoris, and labia minora. It also consists of the lesser and greater vestibular glands and the bulb of the vestibule.
This cancer takes several years to form, and some of its primary symptoms are bleeding, itching, and lump. There are also several vulvar cancer stages, and depending on the cancer stage, you will get a treatment that will help you get relief from the condition.
Where Does Vulvar Cancer Usually Spread First?
Vulvar cancer often spreads to the outer or inner areas of the vaginal lips. But this type of cancer can also occur in any other location in the vulva.
How Fast Does Vulvar Cancer Progress?
This type of cancer progresses pretty slowly. This means it takes several years to develop. The first thing that develops is the precancerous lesions. These lesions are identified as an abnormal growth of cells on the skin’s exterior. These precancerous lesions are also known as VIN or Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia.
Stages of Vulvar Cancer
When vulvar cancer gets diagnosed, it’s divided into four stages. These stages show how far cancer has spread. Let’s learn more about these four stages:
Stage 1 Vulvar Cancer
In Stage 1 Vulvar Cancer, the cancer is present in the perineum [section between the vagina and rectum] or the vulva. This Stage 1 is also divided into two stages, which are IA and IB, according to the tumour size [greater or less than 2 centimetres or peanut size] and then spreads right into the tissue [more or less than 1 millimetre or size of a pencil tip]
Stage 2 Vulvar Cancer
Under this stage, the tumour spreads into the lower section of the anus, vagina, or urethra. In Stage 2 Vulvar Cancer, the condition doesn’t spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage 3 Vulvar Cancer
In Stage 3 Vulvar Cancer, cancer spreads to over 1 lymph node located nearby. Stage 3 is divided into three different stages, which are IIIA, IIB, and IIIC, according to the number and size of lymph nodes vulvar cancer has spread to.
Stage 4 Vulvar Cancer
In Stage 4 vulvar cancer, cancer completely spreads to the upper section of the vagina, the upper area of the urethra, or to other sections of the body. Stage 4 cancer is also divided into two different stages, which are IVA and IVB. These two stages show how far cancer has spread.
No matter what type of vulvar cancer stage you’re in, opting for an effective treatment can help you lessen its symptoms. You can opt for “Proton Therapy,” which is offered by Apollo Proton Cancer Centre.
This type of therapy is a non-invasive process that can be used in conjunction with radiation therapy. It utilises a high level of energy beams to eliminate all the cancer cells without affecting the healthy tissues.
Can Vulvar Cancer Cause Death?
Even though there is a 5-year survival rate for individuals who suffer from vulvar cancer. But the whether or not the condition can cause death will depend on the cancer stage and the type of vulvar cancer a person is suffering from.
Conclusion of Vulvar Cancer Stages
Vulvar cancer is a rare condition that occurs only in women. It occurs in the vulva, which is the external section of the female genitalia. The condition is diagnosed by a physician, after which they divide cancer into four different stages based on its severity.
Based on the cancer stage you’re in, the doctor will provide you with either medication, non-invasive or invasive treatment. That way, you will not just lessen the symptoms of this cancer but also get to eliminate them completely.
