Topical issues of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vulvar and vaginal cancer

Abstract

Vulvar cancer is a rare malignant tumor with the incidence rate of is 3–8 % of the total incidence of female genital malignant diseases. This disease is the 4th common cause of mortality (after cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers) and accounts for 18.2 % of the total lethal outcomes. The anatomical structure of the external female organs with their extensive lymphatic and vascular networks contribute to the aggressive course, the trend to metastasize and rapid tumor growth. Progress in the timely diagnosis of vulvar and vaginal cancer is directly linked to increased competence and oncological vigilance among general practitioners and healthcare institutions. It is up to the primary care providers to identify women at risk or at the initial stages of cancer, and refer them to specialized medical facilities for further diagnostics and treatment. The high mortality from these diseases may be linked to the late detection and to the suboptimal therapy, which necessitates further research in this area.

Keywords

• vulvar and vaginal cancer
• squamous cell vulvar cancer
• photodynamic therapy