About the disease
A benign vulvar tumor is a non-cancerous growth in the vulvar tissue around the outer part of the female genitals. This type of cancer is usually not life-threatening and it does not metastasize.
This type of cancer is considered to be rare, accounting for only 1% of all cancer cases and 5% of gynecological cancers. Other types of benign vulvar tumor include:
- Fibroma
- Fibromyoma
- Dermatofibroma
Dermatofibroma can also occur in men, due to changes in tissue structure. These formations are usually firm and are grayish in color. In order to prevent them from becoming malignant or causing further health complications, these fibrous nodules will usually need to be removed.
In most cases, these types of benign vulvar tumor are of unknown etiology and doctors still research factors that contribute to their development. Such changes in tissue structure can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, having multiple sexual partners and genetic predisposition.
Symptoms
- Itching around the vulva
- Blisters
- Strange spots, dark red and white in color
- Bleeding not associated with menstruation
- Pain in the uterus
- Pain during urination and sexual intercourse
- Vulvar tissue becomes thickened, wrinkled and changes its form
These symptoms manifest themselves when a woman is sitting or during the coitus. They tend to gradually worsen over time if not treated.
Diagnosis
- General examination is performed by a gynecologist who examines a woman’s genital area and determines if the vulvar tissue is damaged. The gynecologist can also use special tools to examine the uterus and see if there are any cysts or polyps.
- Ultrasound is used to determine if a tumor is located only on the vulvar tissue. Sometimes a patient may have similar symptoms to a benign vulvar tumor, but she actually has cysts or polyps instead.
- A biopsy may be performed to acquire a sample of vulvar tissue in order to examine its cells and determine the type of vulvar tumor.
Treatment
- The most effective method of benign vulvar tumor treatment is a local excision within the healthy tissue. During this procedure, the surgeon will remove damaged vulvar tissue while the patient is under local anesthetic. Patients rarely experience significant blood loss. For the local excision, the surgeon usually uses a scalpel and special saturating tools. After this, the surgeon may need to acquire a skin graft from another part of the patient’s body to cover the removed area.
- The surgeon may also perform a vulvectomy, where the top layer of vulvar skin is resected.
- Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are used if the benign vulvar tumor has become malignant.
Overall, benign vulvar tumor treatment has a highly favorable prognosis and risk of death is minimal. Timely treatment and highly qualified professionals will return you to your normal lifestyle in a matter of weeks.
Authors: Dr. Nadezhda Ivanisova, Dr. Sergey Pashchenko
