Vulvar cancer overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Monalisa Dmello, M.B,B.S., M.D. [2]
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Overview
Vulvar cancer accounts for about 5% of cancers of the female genital system in the United States. The vulva is the area immediately external to the vagina, including the mons pubis, labia, clitoris, Bartholin glands, and perineum. The labia majora are the most common site of vulvar carcinoma involvement and account for about 50% of cases. The labia minora account for 15% to 20% of vulvar carcinoma cases. The clitoris and Bartholin glands are less frequently involved. Lesions are multifocal in about 5% of cases. About 90% of vulvar carcinomas are squamous cell cancers. The vulvar intraepithelial neoplasias (VIN), may be precursors to invasive squamous cell cancers.[1]
Classification
Vulvar cancer may be classified according to histology into 3 groups: vulvar carcinoma, vulvar sarcoma and vulvar malignant melanoma.[2]
Development of vulvar cancer is the result of multiple genetic mutations.
References
- ↑ General Information About Vulvar Cancer. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/hp/vulvar-treatment-pdq Accessed on october 1, 2015
- ↑ Hoffman, Barbara (2012). Williams gynecology. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical. ISBN 9780071716727.