What is Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva?
Transitional cell carcinoma of the vulva is a type of cancer that originates in the transitional epithelium of the vulva. Transitional epithelium is a layer of epithelial cells that lines certain hollow organs in the body, including the vulva, vagina, urinary bladder, and ureter.
Disease Causes
Although the exact cause is unknown, hereditary and genetic mutations, along with risk factors such as cigarette smoking and exposure to certain chemicals, are believed to contribute to the development of transitional cell carcinoma of the vulva.
Signs and symptoms
The patient may suffer from the following signs and symptoms. These are
- Itching, burning, or pain in the vulva
- A Palpable (felt able) mass in the vulva
- Abnormal Bleeding or discharge from the vulva and vagina
- Discoloration or thickening of the skin of the vulva
- Pain in the abdomen and pelvic region
- Pain while passing urine
- Blood in the urine
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be utilized to establish a diagnosis.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Serum Tumour Markers
- Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography (USG), CT scan, MRI, and X-ray are used to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour. A pelvic examination involves a speculum examination of the vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
Treatment
Surgical removal of the affected part of the vulva, vagina, cervix and uterus along with radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the main treatment options.
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