Though Rare, Vulvar Cancer Is a Disease Every Women Should Know About...
Don't overlook bumps and itching in the genital area. They could be signs of something else......
......A few things that may be useful for you all.
Many people have a general idea of what ovarian cancer and cervical cancer are, or have at least heard of them. However, vulvar cancer is a lesser-known disease that effects us women.
Learning more about its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment is vital to recognizing and preventing vulvar cancer.
What is a Vulva?
It is important to understand the basics of a vulva. The Vulva is the outside of the female genitals, including the labia majora, labia minora and clitoris. It is not the vagina.
The vulva is the area on the outside, around the opening to the vagina. It extends upwards to the clitoral area and then down towards the rectum.
Symptoms of Vulval Cancer...
Vulvar cancer can manifest in a variety of ways.
Vulvar cancer often presents with itching, skin that appears lighter or darker than usual, a bump or lump, pain or burning, bleeding or discharge, and/or an ulcer or sore that does not heal. This is not exhaustive.
It can be easy to downplay these symptoms and assume they may go away with time, just like I did. However, they could be a warning sign that you should be examined by a medical professional.
The symptoms that most women overlook is itching—thinking it's just a bad yeast infection, but if you are repeatedly treating yourself for a yeast infection and it just doesn't get better, do go to see your GP straight away. Trust me.
Women shouldn't assume they know how they developed vulvar cancer. The disease doesn't always come from the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. As well as Squamous Cell Carcinoma (which is mine) you can also get melanoma cancers too.
The same goes for many women who have undergone a hysterectomy, often thinking it's less important for them to check regularly and take this as a preventive measure, it's a false assumption and you can still get it.
Diagnosis and Testing...
You cannot self-diagnose, it is important to know your Vulva and notice any changes, just like you would with your breast checks.
A diagnosis is usually given after you undergo a biopsy of the affected areas.
Further tests could be necessary to check the spread of the cancer. They might include:
Colposcopy. Checks for abnormal cells in the vagina and walls leading to cervix. (Which I'm now waiting for after having the exterior cancer of high grade removed)
CT or MRI scan. Checks for cancer in other body organs.
Cystoscopy. Examines the bladder.
Lymph node biopsy. Checks if cancer has spread to your lymphatic system.
(Again I now waiting to have done)
Pelvic examination under general anesthetic. Thoroughly looks at the internal reproductive organs.
Proctoscopy. Looks at the inside of the rectum.
X-ray. Checks if cancer has spread to your lungs.
Treatment & Life after Diagnosis...
Treatment and recovery are not a one-size-fits-all experience for everyone.
The treatment for vulvar cancer varies, from surgery to radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments. Depending on which therapy is required, this will determine what, if any, impact vulvar cancer may have on your daily life.
Side effects from surgery may include difficulty with wound healing, lower extremity swelling, difficulty with urination, decreased sensation, dryness and other side effects that may be related to chemotherapy, if you have to have this. Most of the time, these side effects are temporary and depend greatly on which treatment you have to undergo.
Join an awareness Group...
You could also join a Vulva Cancer Awareness Group such as the one I joined, which will most certainly help with great advice and gives answers to many questions you may have, from diagnosis, surgery and after. There are people out there that can help. Here's a link to the Uk site that have helped me lsvcukaewareness.co.uk an amazing bunch of ladies that will help and offer support to you.
The lead up to your diagnosis can feel like a never ending road, but be persistent. You know yourself and your lady bits. Don't give up. If you feel something isn't right please get checked out. Don't ever leave it. Early diagnosis is very important.
You are the only one that knows your own body. If it doesn't seem right for you, get it checked out. Nobody is going to judge you for getting yourself checked, it's better to have nothing than something.
Many thanks yet again for reading my blog.
If it's not right, get it checked.
Many Thanks to Clare at Vulva Cancer Awareness UK for the use of the image.
(Link above)
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