What is cancer of the vulva? What
are its causes and risk factors ?
Cancer of the vulva is a rare type of gynecological cancer found
in the tissues of the vulva, or outer vagina. It is found primarily
in women over fifty, but it is seen with increasing frequency in
women under 40 as well. Histologically, vulvar cancer is predominantly
squamous cell in type, although other types including basal cell
carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, sarcoma, histiocytosis X, or malignant
melanoma do occur. Evidence suggests that HPV is a risk factor for
vulvar cancer and its development, in many cases, is preceded by
condyloma or squamous dysplasias. Women who have constant itching
and changes in the color or appearance of the vulva are at high
risk for developing vulvar cancer.
What is cancer of the vagina? What are its causes and
risk factors ?
Cancer of the vagina is a rare form of gynecological cancer found
in the tissues of the vagina. There are two primary types of vaginal
cancer with different pathogeneses and natural histories. Because
they have different routes of spread, they are treated differently.
Eighty-five per cent are squamous cell type, usually found in older
women. Adenocarcinomas are less common, and are typically found
in younger women. Women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol)
while pregnant are at risk for the rare, clear cell adenocarcinomas.
Vaginal melanomas, sarcomas, and adenosquamous varieties are rare,
but also reported.
What is ovarian cancer ?
Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumor that can begin in one or both
ovaries. These tumors are made of abnormal cells that divide and
create additional cells at a much faster rate than normal cells.
These abnormal cells can then invade surrounding tissue and/or travel
to other areas of the body.
What is GTD (Gestational Trophoblastic Disease) ?
GTD is a very rare form of gynecological cancer. Symptoms may include
vaginal bleeding, nausea, elevated hCG levels in the blood, and
a positive urine pregnancy test.
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