TITLE:
Correlation between Vulvar Symptoms Stratification and Vulvar Cancer Detection: Prospective Cohort Observational Study
AUTHORS:
Mervat A. Elsersy
KEYWORDS:
Cancer, Vulva, Soreness, Lesion, Bleeding
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.10 No.7,
July
3,
2020
ABSTRACT: Background: The
incidence of cancer vulva is increasing. 50% of cases are occurring at younger
age especially the type related to Human Papilloma Virus infection. Cancer vulva
can be prevented. Awareness of cancer vulva is deficient among women and
healthcare providers. In this study we looked for a correlation between the
most significant vulval symptoms to be associated with cancer vulva in order to
educate women and to provide guidance for the health care providers. Methods: 569 women were enrolled in this observational cohort study. The patients were
stratified according to their symptoms into 5
groups. Biopsy from the vulva, unless the lesion is obviously benign. Results: Vulvar lesion, as a symptom (mass-ulcer), was significantly associated
with detection of vulvar cancer (P ≤ 0.001). 100% of those women presented with vulvar lesions (mass or ulcer) had cancer.
Positive predictive value (PPV) of vulvar lesion alone was 1.25% but the
probability of detection of a cancer dramatically increased when the lesion was
accompanied with bleeding 35.2% or pain 26.9% respectively. Conclusion: Presenting symptoms other than a lesion in the vulva as for example, soreness,
irritation or bleeding was rarely associated with detection of cancer.