Vulvar cancer natural history
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
If left untreated, patients with vulvar cancer may progress to develop ulcer on vulva or wart-like patches on vulva and chronic pruritus of the vulva. Common complications of vulvar cancer include fistula and metastasis. Prognosis is generally good, and the 5 year survival rate of patients with vulvar cancer is approximately 71.2%.[1]
Natural history
- Patient has early symptoms like ulcer on vulva, chronic pruritus of the vulva, and wart-like patches on vulva.
- As the tumor grows larger, patient may notice symptoms like unusual bleeding or discharge from the lesion, large mass on the vulva, dysuria, and dyspareunia.
- In advanced disease, metastases may be present in the abdomen and lungs.
- The patient may present with dyspnea, cough with blood-stained sputum, persistent pain or discomfort in the chest, edema hands/feet, and inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- Once the cancer spreads to the other organs, it is most likely fatal.
Complications
- Pelvic pain
- Fistula
- Metastasis - usually in the liver and lungs but may occur in other sites
Prognosis
- Vulvar cancer is associated with a 5 year survival rate of 71.2%.
- Following is a table illustrating the survival of patients with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma.[1]
| Stage | 5-year relative survival (%) |
| I | 93% |
| II | 79% |
| III | 53% |
| IV | 29% |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Survival statistics for vulvar cancer. Vulvar cancer. http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/vulvar/prognosis-and-survival/survival-statistics/?region=ns Accessed on October 1, 2015