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Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the skin or mucosa of the female vulva, accounting for approximately 3%–5% of female genital tract malignancies. It most commonly involves the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. Squamous cell carcinoma is the predominant histologic type, and incidence is higher in women older than 60 years.
1. Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type (85%–90%), most frequently arising in the labia majora, and closely associated with high-risk HPV infection.
2. Melanoma
Highly malignant, accounting for approximately 5%–10%, with a tendency for early metastasis and poor prognosis.
3. Basal cell carcinoma
Slow-growing with rare metastasis (2%–5%); surgical outcomes are generally favorable.
4. Paget disease
A special subtype (1%–2%) presenting as eczematous lesions, with frequent recurrence requiring long-term follow-up.
5. Adenocarcinoma
Rare, arising from Bartholin gland or skin appendages, and metastasis should be excluded.
6. Sarcoma
Extremely rare, originating from mesenchymal tissue, typically aggressive with poor prognosis.
1. HPV infection
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is a major etiologic factor.
2. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Untreated precancerous lesions can progress to invasive disease.
3. Immunosuppression
Risk is increased in organ transplant recipients and individuals with HIV infection.
4. Smoking
Long-term exposure to carcinogens in tobacco may contribute to malignant transformation.
5. Chronic dermatoses
Chronic inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus are associated with increased risk.
6. Age
Incidence rises substantially after menopause.
1. HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination in eligible females prevents oncogenic HPV infections and reduces risk.
2. Regular gynecologic examinations
Annual examinations facilitate early detection of vulvar abnormalities and timely intervention.
3. Safer sexual practices
Condom use reduces HPV transmission; limiting the number of sexual partners and maintaining hygiene support genital health.
4. Smoking cessation and alcohol limitation
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol to reduce long-term carcinogen exposure.
5. Skin care
Keep the vulva clean and dry, avoid chronic scratching, and treat chronic dermatoses promptly.
6. Health education
Improve women’s awareness of self-care, learn self-examination, and seek medical evaluation promptly for abnormalities.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that although vulvar cancer is uncommon, it can have substantial physical and psychological impact. Standardized MDT-based management and individualized treatment planning are key to improving outcomes. Women should prioritize vulvar health, undergo regular gynecologic examinations, and seek timely medical care when abnormalities occur to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment.
Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the skin or mucosa of the female vulva, accounting for approximately 3%–5% of female genital tract malignancies. It most commonly involves the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. Squamous cell carcinoma is the predominant histologic type, and incidence is higher in women older than 60 years.
1. Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type (85%–90%), most frequently arising in the labia majora, and closely associated with high-risk HPV infection.
2. Melanoma
Highly malignant, accounting for approximately 5%–10%, with a tendency for early metastasis and poor prognosis.
3. Basal cell carcinoma
Slow-growing with rare metastasis (2%–5%); surgical outcomes are generally favorable.
4. Paget disease
A special subtype (1%–2%) presenting as eczematous lesions, with frequent recurrence requiring long-term follow-up.
5. Adenocarcinoma
Rare, arising from Bartholin gland or skin appendages, and metastasis should be excluded.
6. Sarcoma
Extremely rare, originating from mesenchymal tissue, typically aggressive with poor prognosis.
1. HPV infection
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is a major etiologic factor.
2. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia
Untreated precancerous lesions can progress to invasive disease.
3. Immunosuppression
Risk is increased in organ transplant recipients and individuals with HIV infection.
4. Smoking
Long-term exposure to carcinogens in tobacco may contribute to malignant transformation.
5. Chronic dermatoses
Chronic inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus are associated with increased risk.
6. Age
Incidence rises substantially after menopause.
1. HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination in eligible females prevents oncogenic HPV infections and reduces risk.
2. Regular gynecologic examinations
Annual examinations facilitate early detection of vulvar abnormalities and timely intervention.
3. Safer sexual practices
Condom use reduces HPV transmission; limiting the number of sexual partners and maintaining hygiene support genital health.
4. Smoking cessation and alcohol limitation
Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol to reduce long-term carcinogen exposure.
5. Skin care
Keep the vulva clean and dry, avoid chronic scratching, and treat chronic dermatoses promptly.
6. Health education
Improve women’s awareness of self-care, learn self-examination, and seek medical evaluation promptly for abnormalities.
Jinshazhou Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine emphasizes that although vulvar cancer is uncommon, it can have substantial physical and psychological impact. Standardized MDT-based management and individualized treatment planning are key to improving outcomes. Women should prioritize vulvar health, undergo regular gynecologic examinations, and seek timely medical care when abnormalities occur to enable early diagnosis and timely treatment.