Late-stage vulvar cancer can spread to where?

Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Patients with vulvar cancer generally have lymphatic metastasis because there are many lymphatic vessels in the perineum, and the capillaries of the lymphatic system are interconnected. Thus, vulvar cancer can lead to bilateral lymphatic vessel spread. Initially, it leads to superficial inguinal lymph nodes, then it spreads to the bone lymph nodes below the groin, and eventually progresses to the lymph nodes alongside the aorta and the lymph nodes below the left clavicle. If the cancer is located in the clitoris, it may bypass the superficial inguinal lymph nodes and directly spread to the lymph nodes inside the pelvis. The tumor in the vulvar area will gradually increase in size; it generally does not invade the muscle fascia or adjacent structures. If the vagina is invaded, it can easily and immediately involve the levator ani muscles, rectum, urethral opening, and bladder, among others.

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Can vulvar cancer be detected by B-ultrasound?

Vulvar cancer, due to its superficial location, does not require an ultrasound for detection. Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor of the vulva, with primary squamous epithelium being the most common type. The main clinical manifestations are vulvar nodules, often accompanied by pain and significant itching. Local necrosis or infection can occur, and the lesions of vulvar cancer can be directly observed with the naked eye. However, ultrasound examination is also widely used in vulvar cancer, not for detecting the cancer itself, but for examining whether there is enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin, abdomen, and pelvic regions, suspecting invasion by cancer cells.

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Is vulvar leukoplakia cancer?

First, vulvar lichen sclerosus is not cancerous. Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a general term that can be divided into many types, and the cause of the disease is unknown. The main symptoms include itching, atrophy, and whitening of the vulva. Because of vulvar itching, long-term scratching can lead to local skin thickening, cracking, and a certain risk of cell degeneration and malignancy. When vulvar lichen sclerosus occurs, patients need to visit a hospital for a colposcopy to rule out precancerous lesions. The usual treatment focuses on symptomatic relief, primarily to alleviate itching. If the itching is severe or if the treatment with medication is ineffective, photodynamic therapy can be used, which also has good effects.

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Written by Yan Chun
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Is conservative treatment or surgery better for vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a malignant tumor in female gynecology. There are various treatment options for patients with vulvar cancer. The choice between surgical treatment and conservative treatment depends on multiple factors such as the patient's clinical stage and physical condition. For patients with early-stage vulvar cancer, radical surgical excision is the best treatment method. However, some patients with poor physical condition may not tolerate surgery and may instead receive curative radiotherapy or systemic chemotherapy as an alternative treatment. For patients with mid-to-late stage vulvar cancer, the best treatment method is comprehensive internal medicine treatments, such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy. For patients with advanced vulvar cancer who have a poor physical condition and cannot tolerate chemotherapy or other antitumor treatments, the best treatment method is conservative treatment aimed at maintaining stable vital signs.

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What tests are needed to determine the cause of vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a type of malignant tumor in female gynecology. Clinically, the following examinations can be used to identify the cause of vulvar cancer. First, testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) can be conducted. If the patient is found to be infected with HPV, then the cause of vulvar cancer can be considered to be due to viral infection. Additionally, herpes virus testing can also be performed, as many patients with vulvar cancer are caused by herpes virus infection. Thirdly, cytological examination of the vulva can be conducted to detect if there are any malnutritive lesions, such as vulvar lichen sclerosus, and other diseases like dermatophytosis, which are also reasons for the high incidence of vulvar cancer.

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Can vulvar cancer be cured by radiotherapy?

Vulvar cancer is a relatively malignant tumor. If a patient is diagnosed with vulvar cancer, they should first undergo a medical examination to check if the cancer has metastasized distantly. If the condition is just localized inflammation, it is recommended that the patient undergo surgical treatment followed by radiotherapy, as this is a very serious condition. Surgery itself can cause harm to the patient’s body, but due to the severity of the condition, it is necessary to focus on the main conflict and take corresponding rescue measures. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can only play a certain supplementary and auxiliary role after surgery, potentially reducing the size of some tumors to a certain extent, minimizing surgical trauma and postoperative recurrence. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are also effective for patients who are unable to undergo surgery or who cannot receive surgical treatment. If diagnosed with vulvar cancer, it is advised to visit a standard hospital for examination and follow the doctor’s guidance for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.