Vulvar Cancer forms in the vulva, which is called vulvar cancer. The vulva is the outer part of the female genital organs. It has two folds of skin, called the labia. Vulvar cancer most often occurs on the inner edges of the labia. Vaginal and vulvar cancers are very rare. While all women are at risk for these cancers, very few will get them. Together, they account for 6% to 7% of all gynecologic cancers diagnosed in the U.S.

What Are the Risk Factors for Vaginal and Vulvar Cancer? There is no way to know for sure if you will get vaginal or vulvar cancer. Some women get these cancers without being at high risk. However, several factors may increase the chance that you will get vaginal or vulvar cancer, including if you—

• Are infected with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) for a long time.
• have had cervical precancer (cell changes that might become cancer if they are not treated appropriately) or cervical cancer.
• Have had vulvar or vaginal precancer.
• Have a condition that weakens your immune system (such as HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS), making it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
• Smoke, among women who have an HPV infection, smoking may prevent the body’s immune system from getting rid of the HPV infection.
• Have chronic vulvar itching or burning.

Determining the extent of the cancer

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor works to determine the size and extent (stage) of your cancer. Staging tests can include:

• Examination of your pelvic area for cancer spread. Your doctor may do a more thorough examination of your pelvis for signs that cancer has spread.
• Imaging tests. Images of your chest or abdomen may show whether cancer has spread to those areas. Imaging tests may include X-ray, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET).

Natural ways to manage your symptoms

Alternative treatments should be done in conjunction with traditional medicine in order to boost your chances of defeating cancer.

• If you’re nauseated by cancer treatments, try having some ginger or peppermint to soothe your stomach.
• Watch out for dehydration and make sure you are getting plenty of fluids.
• Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Sleep gives the body a chance to turn up its infection-fighting abilities because it’s not busy doing the things it does while you’re awake.
• Lower your intake of refined sugar and processed flours to help keep blood sugar under control.
• Drink Matcha green tea. Matcha is rich in catechins, a class of plant compounds found in tea that is known to be a natural antioxidant.