{"id":5256,"date":"2024-12-11T17:19:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T16:19:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/irccs.com\/patologie\/tumors-of-the-vulva\/"},"modified":"2026-03-27T13:31:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-27T12:31:45","slug":"tumors-of-the-vulva","status":"publish","type":"pathology","link":"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/patologie\/tumors-of-the-vulva\/","title":{"rendered":"Tumors of the vulva"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"pathology\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Pathology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Vulvar cancer is a relatively <strong>rare <\/strong>cancer that <strong>accounts for about 3-5% of cancers of the female genital tract<\/strong>. About 1,200 new cases are reported in Italy each year, most of them in<strong> women of mature age<\/strong>. In fact, the incidence increases with age: about 9 out of 10 women receive the diagnosis after age 60.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vulva is the outermost part of the female genital tract and includes the labia majora and labia minora, the vestibule (i.e., the vaginal opening), the clitoris, and the perineum, the area of skin between the vagina and anus. The tumor <strong>most frequently affects the labia majora<\/strong>, but can develop in all areas of the vulva.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vulvar cancer is a disease that <strong>generally takes many years to develop<\/strong>. It is often preceded by <strong>pre-invasive lesions<\/strong>, i.e., tissue changes that are not yet cancer, but can develop into malignant forms over time. These lesions can be caused by <strong>human papillomavirus (HPV) infection<\/strong> or by <strong>chronic vulvar dermatoses<\/strong>, such as <strong>lichen sclerosus<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early detection is critical for a more favorable prognosis<\/strong>: in fact, if identified in the early stages, vulvar cancer can be successfully cured, and about 3 out of 4 women no longer show signs of the disease after 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Squamous cell carcinoma<\/strong> (85-90% of cases): derived from the squamous cells lining the vulva;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Malignant melanoma<\/strong> (2-5% of cases): dark mole-like pigmented tumor;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Adenocarcinoma<\/strong> (1-3% of cases): develops from Bartolini&#8217;s glands;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other rare tumors<\/strong>: stem such as sarcoma or Paget&#8217;s carcinoma.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"symptoms\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the early stages, the tumor may be <strong>asymptomatic<\/strong> or confused with benign conditions. At first it may manifest with <strong>changes in the skin<\/strong>, which may appear thinner, redder, or darker than nearby areas.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over time, a <strong>white or red lump with an irregular surface<\/strong> may appear, sometimes accompanied by <strong>itching, pain, burning<\/strong>, or <strong>small wounds that tend not to heal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"risk-factors\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Risk factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually this type of neoplasm arises on precancerous lesions related to human papilloma virus (HPV) infection or chronic inflammatory conditions (such as genital lichen sclerosus). The main known risk factors are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Age <\/strong>(above 60 years);<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human papillomavirus<strong>(HPV<\/strong>) infection;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cigarette <strong>smoke <\/strong>;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>presence of <strong>lichen sclerosus or other chronic inflammatory conditions<\/strong> (e.g., Paget&#8217;s disease).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other factors that may predispose to higher risk are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>weakened immune system;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>presence of precancerous lesions (dysplasia) or tumors in other areas such as the cervix, vagina, or anus;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>chronic granulomatous disease.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"diagnosis-and-examination\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Diagnosis and examination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The diagnostic pathway for vulvar cancer begins with a<a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/gynecologic-oncology-and-hereditary-tumors\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5119\"> <strong>specialist gynecological examination<\/strong><\/a>, during which the doctor collects the patient&#8217;s personal and family history, assesses symptoms, and proceeds with a thorough inspection of the genital and inguinal area, as well as a complete gynecological examination. If a cancerous lesion is suspected during the evaluation, a <strong>biopsy<\/strong>, which is the taking of a small fragment of tissue for microscopic analysis, is performed. This examination is critical because it allows the presence of the tumor to be confirmed or excluded with certainty. In some situations, when the lesion is very small or inconspicuous, the specialist may use <strong>vulvoscopy<\/strong>, an investigation that allows a better look at the affected area and guides the eventual sampling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To accurately determine the<strong>extent of the disease<\/strong> and any involvement of the inguinal lymph nodes, imaging tests such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PET\/TC<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Computed tomography (CT) scan<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early diagnosis<\/strong> and early care are key: the earlier the disease is identified, the more effective and targeted the available treatments can be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Staging<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vulvar cancer is divided into four stages according to the criteria established by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Stage IV<\/strong>: The tumor is more advanced, can reach deeper structures such as bladder or rectum, attach to the pelvic bone or give distant metastasis;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage I<\/strong>: The tumor is located exclusively in the vulva or perineum and has not reached the lymph nodes;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage II<\/strong>: The tumor may extend to nearby tissues, such as the lower part of the urethra, vagina or anus, but without lymph node involvement;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stage III<\/strong>: The disease involves lymph nodes in the inguinal or femoral region and may invade surrounding tissues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This classification is very important because it allows the physician to understand how extensive the disease is and to <strong>choose the most appropriate treatment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"therapies\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Therapies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To select the appropriate treatment for this condition, it is essential to take into consideration the patient&#8217;s age, pathology, type of disease, location, and extent of disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c678b0c557f\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Pre-cancerous lesions<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>When dealing with <strong>precancerous lesions<\/strong>, conservative intervention such as <strong>laser surgery<\/strong> may be sufficient to remove or vaporize the altered cells without removing excess tissue.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Surgical intervention<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>In cases of invasive cancer, <strong>vulvar surgery<\/strong> is the main treatment and has both a therapeutic and symptomatic function. The surgery <strong>may be more or less extensive <\/strong>depending on the size and spread of the tumor. <strong>Inguinal lymph nodes<\/strong> also often need to be removed, as they are the first site where the tumor could spread.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>In particular:<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<li>The <strong>sentinel ly<\/strong> mph node is the first lymph node to receive lymphatic drainage from the tumor-affected area. Its removal makes it possible to check whether the tumor has spread without having to remove all the lymph nodes in the region, reducing the risk of complications such as lymphedema;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- \/wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --><\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>depending on the stage of the disease and location of the tumor, it may be necessary to remove <strong>all inguinal lymph nodes<\/strong>, unilaterally or bilaterally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Post-surgical reconstruction<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>After vulvectomy (total or partial removal of the vulva), <strong>vulvar reconstruction<\/strong> is extremely important, both for psychological reasons and to improve quality of life. When the removal involves a significant portion of tissue, the intervention of a <a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/aree-mediche\/chirurgia-plastica-ricostruttiva\/\"><strong>plastic surgeon<\/strong><\/a> can ensure a more functional and aesthetic reconstruction.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and other therapies<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Surgery in some cases is combined with <strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/reservations\/radioterapia-2\/\">radiotherapy<\/a> or chemotherapy treatment<\/strong> depending on the stage of disease.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Finally, <strong>new targeted therapies<\/strong>, designed to hit specific targets on cancer cells, and<strong>immunotherapy<\/strong>, which aims to stimulate the immune system against the tumor, are being investigated. These options are currently available only in experimental settings and may expand treatment options in the future.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"ongoing-support\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Ongoing support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At our institute, we ensure <strong>constant support before, during and after treatment <\/strong>to accompany each patient throughout the entire course of treatment and recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c678b0c55f8\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Psychological support<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The impact of cancer in a person&#8217;s life also affects the<\/span><b> psychological sphere:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> falling ill with cancer is in fact always a <\/span><b>traumatic event<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that affects all dimensions of the person and can generate anxiety, fear, anger, depression.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the Candiolo Institute, alongside cutting-edge therapies, the treatment and care pathway always includes a<\/span><b> qualified psycho-oncological support <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">that helps the patient cope positively not only with treatment but also with the delicate phase of physical and psychological recovery.<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><b>It is also possible to participate in support groups <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">psychological to compare with other people who have gone through or are going through the same experience.<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Management of emergencies and side effects  <\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The cancer patient is often a <strong>fragile patient<\/strong>, who needs help and support in her disease journey: when she experiences discomfort, whether related to the disease or a side effect of therapy, she needs to be able to receive a specialist&#8217;s opinion quickly, through a &#8220;fast track.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>For this reason, at the Candiolo Institute there is an <strong>assistance service<\/strong> every day, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: just call the secretary of the Oncology Day Hospital (011 993 3775) reporting the need for an urgent consultation, and the patient is quickly contacted by his or her specialist doctor.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Continuing and palliative care<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cancer patient is a person with <\/span><b>complex needs<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> that requires <\/span><b>multidisciplinary support<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> not only for the cancer disease, but also for all related issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">At the Candiolo Institute, patients who need or require it have access to <\/span><b>specialists in different areas<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> to receive nutritional support, physical therapy, pain therapy and management of other associated conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Follow-up<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p data-start=\"108\" data-end=\"337\">After completion of treatment, <strong data-start=\"142\" data-end=\"155\">follow-up<\/strong> is essential to monitor the patient&#8217;s health and detect any recurrence early. European gynecologic oncology guidelines (ESGO society) recommend:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"710\">\n<li data-start=\"339\" data-end=\"445\">\n<p data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"445\"><strong data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"365\">Gynecological visits<\/strong>: every 3-6 months in the first two years, then every 6 months for the next three years;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"446\" data-end=\"537\">\n<p data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"537\"><strong data-start=\"448\" data-end=\"460\">Pap test<\/strong>: once a year to check the health of cervix cells;<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"538\" data-end=\"710\">\n<p data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"710\"><strong data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"574\">Instrumental and blood tests<\/strong>: such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to be performed only if indicated by the physician, as needed and according to the stage of the disease.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"712\" data-end=\"865\">Personalized follow-up enables early intervention in case of new signs and ensures careful and safe monitoring over time.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Social work<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Social Service Department of the Candiolo Institute conducts <\/span><b>information and orientation interviews to patients and their families<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on how to access services in the area and how to obtain welfare and social security benefits provided by law (disability, benefits for aids and prostheses, work leave, etc.).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The service operates on Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (phone: 011 9933059)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"interdisciplinary-group\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Interdisciplinary Group<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every cancer requires, in all phases of disease management, a<strong> multidisciplinary approach<\/strong> that at the Candiolo Institute is guaranteed by a team of different specialists, belonging to the various clinical and surgical departments of the Institute: this team is called GIC (Interdisciplinary Care Group). The GIC ensures that<strong> each patient is taken care of throughout the diagnostic-therapeutic process<\/strong>, including prescribing and booking examinations and communicating with the patient and his or her family members. The GIC defines and shares a <strong>personalized care pathway<\/strong> for each patient, based not only on the type and stage of the tumor, but also on the patient&#8217;s own characteristics. The goal is to ensure that he or she has the best outcome both oncologically and functionally and the maintenance of a good quality of life.The Group also<strong> works closely with researchers<\/strong> at the Institute to ensure that patients have rapid access to the latest research-produced innovations in screening, diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"clinical-divisions\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Clinical divisions  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The diagnostic and therapeutic pathway for vulvar cancer at Candiolo involves several clinical divisions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/ovarian-cancer-center\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5148\">Ovarian Cancer Center<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/gynecologic-oncology-and-hereditary-tumors\/\">Gynecology Oncology and Hereditary Tumors<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/medical-oncology\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5169\">Medical Oncology<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/anesthesia-and-resuscitation\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5185\">Anesthesia and resuscitation<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/reconstructive-plastic-surgery\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5159\">Reconstructive Plastic Surgery<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/nuclear-medicine\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5106\">Nuclear medicine<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiotherapy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5104\">Radiotherapy<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/radiodiagnostics\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5101\">Radiodiagnostics<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/divisioni-cliniche\/pathologic-anatomy\/\" type=\"medical-area\" id=\"5118\">Pathologic anatomy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"clinical-studies\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Clinical studies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Researchers at the Candiolo Institute are currently involved in <strong>several national and international projects<\/strong> on gynecological cancers.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main ones involve clinical, translational, and molecular research, as well as numerous experimental clinical trials on new chemotherapeutic drugs and immunotherapy.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, experimental surgical protocols on lymph node staging for cervical cancer and sentinel lymph node are active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span  id=\"why-choose-us\" class=\"h2_anchor\"><\/span>Why choose us<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Candiolo IRCCS Institute, every patient with vulvar cancer is<strong> followed according to highly specialized standards, <\/strong>thanks to the synergistic work of a dedicated <a href=\"#gruppo-interdisciplinare\">Interdisciplinary Care Group (ICG) <\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t<div id=\"block_69c678b0c5645\" class=\"accordion-block acf-block\">\n\t\t<div class=\"my-4 lg:my-6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Clinical experience and tailored approach<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>Due to the high number of cases treated each year, the Candiolo Institute is a <strong>national reference for taking care of esophageal cancer.<\/strong> Our experience enables us to deal with even the most complex situations, always with a <strong>personalized approach<\/strong> built on the clinical and personal profile of each patient.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Imaging technologies and advanced diagnostics<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->Establishing the treatment plan always starts with an <strong>accurate and timely diagnosis<\/strong>. Patients have access to <strong>state-of-the-art imaging technologies<\/strong> that allow accurate assessment of the extent of the disease.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->In addition, the Institute offers <strong>advanced and sophisticated laboratory investigations<\/strong>, including molecular and genomic analyses, which are critical for identifying biological features of cancer and guiding therapeutic decisions.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Minimally invasive surgical techniques and multidisciplinarity<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>When indicated, surgery is performed with <strong>minimally invasive techniques<\/strong> (laparoscopic or thoracoscopic), which reduce operative trauma, promote faster recovery, and improve postoperative quality of life. Every treatment choice is defined within the GIC, ensuring a consistent and integrated approach.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Clinical research and access to trials<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n<p><!-- \/wp:heading --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph -->As an IRCCS, the Candiolo Institute combines clinical practice with a <strong>strong vocation for scientific research.<\/strong> Patients can be evaluated for inclusion in active <strong>clinical trials<\/strong>, which represent a real chance to access <strong>innovative therapies<\/strong> not yet available in standard practice. Collaboration between care and research is a distinctive value that translates into <strong>concrete opportunities for the patient<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion group border-b border-white\/5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"flex items-center cursor-pointer group-hover:text-blue-light group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-colors\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"rotate-90 text-blue-lighter group-[.accordion--open]:rotate-180 group-[.accordion--open]:text-red transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"18\" viewbox=\"0 0 500 500\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<polygon points=\"250,60 100,400 400,400\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"font-bold ml-5\">Care and support every step of the way<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"accordion-content max-h-0 overflow-hidden transition-all\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"pb-5 pl-[38px] pt-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Interdisciplinary Care Group takes care of the person at every stage: from diagnosis to treatment to <strong>follow-up<\/strong>, with attention to <strong>nutritional support<\/strong>, <strong>psychological health<\/strong>, and <strong>reintegration into daily life<\/strong>. The organization of checkups, visits and treatment is designed to ensure <strong>continuity and serenity<\/strong>, always valuing the human dimension of care.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5256","pathology","type-pathology","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tumors of the vulva - Istituto di Candiolo<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Vulvar cancer: find out how to access advanced diagnostic and therapeutic services in Candiolo, just a few miles from Turin.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/irccs.com\/en\/patologie\/tumors-of-the-vulva\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Tumors of the vulva - 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