Vulva in the simple terms can be described as the outer part of the female reproductive system including the inner and the outer lips and the clitoris. Vulvectomy is an extensive surgical procedure used for the treatment of cancer of the vulva. Cancer of the vulva is the fourth most common cancer of the female genital tract as reported in medical literature. Cancer of the vulva in medical terminology is referred as vulvar carcinoma.
The vulva has three main parts the lips (labia minora and labia majora) and the clitoris which cover the urethral opening and the vagina.
What are the causes of vulvar cancer?
Etiology of vulvar cancer/carcinoma is mainly attributed to Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. Women who also have reported history of genital warts are at an increased risk of vulvar carcinoma.
Which age group is affected by vulvar cancer?
Vulvar cancer is bimodal (seen at two peak ages), young adulthood and older age group. The exact cause of the bimodal incidence is not explained but the risk and attributing factors for vulvar cancer may be different at both the age groups.
What are the symptoms of vulvar cancer?
Most women present with itching and discomfort in the female genitourinary tract region which is usually undiagnosed for a period of three to six months. Vulvar cancer can present as a pruritic lesion on the lips covering the female genitourinary tract. If any such lesion is detected it is essential to seek consultation with a specialist preferably a gynecologist and surgeons who can evaluate the symptoms and confirm the lesion by doing clinical examination, using adjuncts like CT and MRI scan and a biopsy of the lesion for pathological confirmation of the vulvar cancer.
What treatment is indicated for vulvar cancer?
Choice of the appropriate medical/surgical procedure as per evaluation of individual’s condition is essential for a better prognosis of the disease. Like any other cancer the choice of treatment for vulvar cancer is wide surgical excision which in case of vulva is called as Vulvectomy. Medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also used as adjuncts to surgical removal of the primary lesion. Initially a biopsy is conducted on the site of the lesion to confirm a dysplastic (precancerous) lesion or a cancer itself.
What are the types of vulvectomy?
Vulvectomy is the surgical procedure for the removal of the outer part of the female genitourinary tract affected by vulvar cancer. Vulvectomy is primarily of two types.
- Partial vulvectomy: This procedure removes only the area affected with the lesion and the other adjacent structures are preserved.
- Radical vulvectomy: This procedure involves removal of the lesion along with adjacent structures and lymph nodes (lymph nodes of the groin area). Radical Vulvectomy is a rather extensive procedure as compared to partial Vulvectomy.
Does the procedure require anesthesia?
Yes, the procedure requires administration of anesthesia (general anesthesia) and sedation (medicines to calm, relax and to put you to sleep during the procedure).
What happens during a vulvectomy surgery ?
Vulvectomy is a major surgical procedure. The patient is made to lie on her back and the legs are spread apart to expose the female genitourinary tract for better visualization during the procedure. After the administration of anesthesia an incision of usually 2cm is made at the surgical site and area affected with cancer is widely excised. Occasionally a catheter is placed to help in passage of urine after the procedure. Radical Vulvectomy is a major procedure and requires extensive removal of the vulva, the lips and the clitoris. Sometimes even the lymph nodes superficial and deep from the inguinal area are removed to prevent any further spread of the cancer.
Since Vulvectomy is a major surgical procedure after the procedure is completed the patient is shifted to a recovery area for close monitoring. Any kind of movement is restricted until suggested by the operating surgeon. The catheter is left in place for a few days to help in passage of urine. The surgical site is cleaned and bandaged regularly. If non-absorbable sutures are used they are removed after a week’s period. If the patient is able to pass urine on her own the catheter might be removed. The patient is asked to initiate movement by getting up from the bed, sitting and walking. Any vigorous exercises and sports are avoided to prevent any post operative complications. The patient is asked to abstain from any sexual activity unless permitted by the operating surgeon. Vulvectomy procedure may be followed by sessions of chemotherapy or radiotherapy if indicated by the treating specialist.
Is the sexual life affected after vulvectomy surgery ?
Women who undergo a radical vulvectomy are at a greater risk of losing capability of orgasms during sexual activity as the outer genitals, mainly the clitoris is also removed during the procedure. Consultation regarding the same is essential with your treating surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
What are the possible complications of a vulvectomy surgery ?
Since Vulvectomy is a major surgical procedure, bleeding and infection at surgical site could be possible complications. Anesthesia related complications could include nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. Serious complications could include continuous bleeding and discharge from the surgical site, shock and rarely death. Vulvectomy is the preferred treatment for vulvar cancer as it involves removal of the cancerous lesion. Most of the patient affected with vulvar cancer in early stages when treated with vulvectomy show better prognosis. The overall prognosis of the procedure is dependent on the stage and grade of vulvar cancer, patients overall health and the type of treatment. Appropriate timely evaluation of a lesion on the vulva is essential for the prevention of progression of the disease and improved overall outcome.
How to find and reach gynecologists for vulvectomy surgery ?
Now you can find and reach gynecologists for vulvectomy surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost of vulvectomy surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for vulvectomy surgery.
Find a gynecologist for vulvectomy surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
