What Patients Say About Cancer Treatment at New Hope
What Is Vulvar Cancer?
Combating cancer begins with being armed with essential information about the disease.
Vulvar cancer is the uncontrollable growth of malignant cells in the vulva. The vulva, which is the outer surface of a woman’s genitals, is at the opening of the vagina (birth canal). It has three main parts, including:
- The opening of the vagina
- The labia, which comprises two skin folds
- The clitoris, a sensitive knob of tissue
- The mons pubis, the soft mound in front of the pubic bones
- The perineum, the skin separating the vulva and the anus
Vulvar cancer is rare. The American Cancer Society notes that about 6,200 women in the United States are diagnosed with it each year.
Vulvar Cancers We Treat at New Hope Unlimited
The main types of vulvar cancer are:
Squamous cell
This wart-like growth accounts for 90 percent of all vulvar cancers. It usually develops around the edges of the labia.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the succeeding common type of vulvar cancer. It represents less than 5 percent of vulvar cancer cases.
Adenocarcinoma
These malignant tumors begin in the Bartholin glands or sweat glands in the vulva. It makes up about 8 percent of vulvar cancer cases.
Sarcoma
Sarcomas are rare and aggressive vulvar cancers that occur in the cells of muscles, bones, or connective tissue. About 2 of every 100 vulvar cancers are sarcomas.
Other types of cancers, including melanomas and sarcomas, can also develop in the vagina. Further, specific cancers may spread to the vagina from their original sites such as carcinoma of the cervix, uterus, rectum, and bladder.
Vulvar Cancer Symptoms
Signs of vulvar cancer may include:
- A lump or sore close to the opening of the vagina
- Rought, wart-like bumps on the surface of the vulva
- Burning, itching, or pain in the genital area
- Unusual bleeding and discharge
- Skin changes, including color changes or thickening
- A sudden change in a mole near the genital area
- Painful urination
These symptoms do not always mean a woman has vulvar cancer. However, it is best to consult a medical professional if any new symptoms persist for weeks.
Vulvar Cancer Causes
Little is known about the exact cause of vulvar cancer. However, doctors have identified factors that may increase a woman’s risk of the disease. These include:
- Older age. Over half of vulvar cancer patients are over 70 years old
- Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
- Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
- Tobacco use
- Family or personal history of melanoma and/or cervical cancer
It is important to note that not all women with risk factors will develop vulvar cancer, and not all women without risk factors are immune. If you have risk factors, discuss them with your physician as soon as possible.
Diagnostic Tests for Vulvar Cancer
Diagnosing vulvar cancer begins with your doctor asking questions about your health, symptoms, and family medical history. In the suspicion of a malignant growth, one or more of the following tests may determine if you have vulvar cancer and if it has spread:
- Excisional biopsy, where a small knife is used
- Punch biopsy, in which a tiny punch tool is used
- Computed axial tomography (CT or CAT) scan
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
- Chest x-ray
Early detection plays a role in improving your vulvar cancer prognosis and life expectancy.
Why Choose New Hope for Vulvar Cancer Treatments?
New Hope Unlimited is one of the most active centers for vulvar cancer treatments. We offer the highest level of care and targeted therapies through cutting-edge technologies and techniques. Click here to learn more about our high-level of expertise, which sets us apart from several other treatment centers.
Our Approach
Advanced Vulvar Cancer Treatments
Top-Rated Physicians
Personal Care
Patient Satisfaction
Our Top-of-the-Line Medical Facilities
At New Hope Unlimited, we pride ourselves in providing superior comfort, cleanliness, and cancer care at our 8,000 square foot medical treatment center in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. We worked with renowned architects and contractors to create the ideal space for recovery, which includes state-of-the-art lounge areas and spacious private in-rooms that assure the comfort of our patients and their loved ones.
To make our patients feel right at home, each private ward is equipped with high-definition U.S. television, quality bedding, and high-speed internet connection. And with proper nutrition playing a vital role in cancer recovery, New Hope Unlimited also fulfills the dietary needs of each patient using fresh, organic produce to prepare breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and dinners.
Comfort and cleanliness are also strictly implemented in our medical treatment rooms, which are equipped with the latest medical supplies and technology to provide the highest standard of care and treatment. Our medical center also has an in-house Hyperbaric Chamber, a well-established therapy for decompression sickness, exclusively available for our patients’ use.
Further, New Hope Unlimited has maintained its exceptional partnership with Hospital Migoo, a medical group comprised of certified physicians and specialists committed to our patients’ care and well-being.
Stories of New Hope
Life-changing tales of our cancer patient survivors.
FAQs
1. What specific treatments does New Hope offer?
From detoxification to nutrient supplementation, read about our one-of-a-kind combination of conventional, alternative, and holistic treatments for cancer of the vulva.
2. What should I know about vulvar cancer survival rates?
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for vulvar cancer that has not spread beyond the vulva is 86 percent.
