Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that mainly affects women after menopause. There is no routine screening test for vulvar cancer, so the best way to reduce risk is by treating early skin changes or precancerous conditions that may lead to it.
In many cases, vulvar cancer may not cause symptoms at first. However, most women notice persistent itching, pain, a lump, or a sore or ulcer on the vulva that does not heal. Because of this, any unusual or long-lasting change in the vulvar skin should be examined and biopsied to rule out cancer.
The most common type of vulvar cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment mainly depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery is usually the primary treatment, especially for early stages. In more advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation therapy together may be used as an effective alternative.
Care for vulvar cancer should be individualized for each patient and managed by a multidisciplinary team at a specialized cancer center to ensure the best outcomes. Let’s scroll down and learn more about the vulvar cancer treatment in Mumbai.
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What is Vulvar Cancer?
Vulvar cancer is an abnormal transformation of vulvar cells. These cells start multiplying without any check, forming a tumor. This tumor might become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body. “Vulva” is the term that denotes the external tissues of the female genitals. It includes the vaginal opening, labia minora (inner lips), labia majora (outer lips), clitoris, mons pubis (rounded area in front of the pubic bones), urethral opening, and perineum (skin patch between the vagina and anus or butthole).Vulvar cancer is a slow-progressing cancer that may take over several years to exhibit noticeable symptoms. Generally, the initial sign is the formation of precancerous lesions (abnormal growths in the outer layer of the skin). Such lesions are called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).
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What are the Causes of Vulvar Cancer?
The exact cause of vulvar cancer is still not clearly known, but the following are the factors that increase the risk:- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (a common sexually transmitted infection)
- Lichen sclerosus (chronic inflammatory condition of the vulva)
- Advancing age
- Exposure to HPV (strains that are highly potent to cause cancer)
- Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (a precancerous condition)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Smoking
What are the Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer?
The following are the symptoms that indicate vulvar cancer:- Skin changes on the outer lips (labia majora) or inner lips (labia minora)
- Color changes (formation of darker or lighter skin patches)
- Patches of skin may appear thicker or rougher than usual
- Growths can manifest as lumps, wart-like bumps, or ulcers that do not heal
- The itchiness or burning sensation that persists and does not subside
- Bleeding unrelated to menstruation (periods) may also occur
- Tenderness and pain, possibly during sex or while urinating
What Tests Help in Making a Vulvar Cancer Diagnosis?
The following are the tests that help in confirming the diagnosis of vulvar cancer:- Pelvic examination
- Pap smear to look for HPV infection
- Colposcopy
- Biopsy
- Scope examination
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans
- Sentinel node biopsy
What are the Advanced Vulvar Cancer Treatment Options in Mumbai?
The following are the advanced treatment options for vulvar cancer:| Treatment Type | Sub-Types | Description |
|
Surgery |
Laser surgery | Uses a focused laser to remove cancerous surface tissue with minimal damage to surrounding areas. |
| Local excision | Removes the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue; lymph nodes may also be assessed. | |
| Vulvectomy | Partial or complete removal of the vulva, sometimes with reconstruction if needed. | |
| Pelvic exenteration | This major procedure for advanced cancer involves the removal of multiple pelvic organs. | |
| Radiation Therapy | External beam radiation | Delivers high-energy rays from outside the body to destroy cancer cells. |
| Combined Therapy | Chemoradiation | Radiation combined with chemotherapy to improve effectiveness in certain cases. |
| Immunotherapy | Topical immune-based therapy | Stimulates the body’s immune response to target cancer cells locally. |
What is the Cost of Vulvar Cancer Treatment in Mumbai?
The cost of vulvar cancer treatment in Mumbai may range from ₹342,000 to ₹1,712,800 or more. This cost includes the diagnostic cost, operative cost, postoperative cost, hospital charges, and doctor fees. However, this is an approximate cost estimate. There are many factors, like type of cancer, stage of cancer, risk of complications, type of hospital, city, and many more, that affect the cost of vulvar cancer treatment in Mumbai.| Treatment Type | Approximate Cost Range (INR) |
| Diagnostics & Initial Consultation | ₹20,000 – ₹60,000 |
| Basic Cancer Surgery | ₹2,50,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
| Major Surgery / Advanced Procedures | ₹6,00,000 – ₹12,00,000+ |
| Radiation Therapy (Full Course) | ₹1,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
| Combined Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy | ₹2,50,000 – ₹7,00,000+ |
| Follow-up and Support Care | ₹10,000 – ₹50,000+ |
Conclusion
Your attentiveness to symptoms has a significant impact on your own long-term health. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any changes in your vulvar skin. Also, make sure you don't miss any appointments with your doctor during your treatment. They can detect skin changes that are indicative of the precancerous conditions before they progress to cancer.Vulvar cancer is a rare and complex condition. At the Asian Heart Institute, our distinguished team of gynecologists can diagnose and treat this condition and support you through the recovery process.
Get personalized advice from the best vulvar cancer specialists in Mumbai at the Asian Heart Institute. Book your consultation today.
FAQs
Q1: Is vulvar cancer treatable?A: Yes. When detected early, vulvar cancer is highly treatable. Treatment outcomes depend on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient.
Q2: Who is at higher risk of vulvar cancer?
A: Postmenopausal women and those with HPV infection, lichen sclerosus, a history of smoking, or weakened immunity have a higher risk.
Q3: How long does recovery take after vulvar cancer treatment?
A: Recovery varies based on treatment type and stage. Early-stage surgery usually has a faster recovery, while advanced treatments may take longer and require follow-up care.
