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Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Vulvar cancer begins in the external female genital organs, most commonly affecting the labia majora and labia minora. It is a relatively rare cancer, but early detection is important as outcomes are significantly better when treated at an early stage. Vulvar cancer can present as squamous cell carcinoma (the most common type), melanoma, or rarer subtypes.
According to GLOBOCAN 2020, vulvar cancer accounts for a small proportion of gynaecological cancers in Malaysia compared to cervical or ovarian cancer. However, like other women’s cancers, cases may be underdiagnosed or detected late due to lack of awareness and limited screening. Most cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 60, though it can occur earlier in women with HPV-related changes or immune conditions.
Diagnosis typically involves a pelvic examination and biopsy of any suspicious lesion. Imaging tests such as MRI, CT scans, or PET scans may be used to assess the extent of the disease and whether lymph nodes are involved.
Vulvar cancer is staged from Stage I (localised to the vulva) to Stage IV (spread to nearby organs or distant parts of the body). The stage determines treatment choices and prognosis.
Treatment depends on the stage, type, and overall health of the patient. Options include:
