Vulvar Cancer: Anyone else?

Posted by ali1974 @ali1974, Nov 12, 2020

Hello:
I have posted on other discussion group about my struggle with my health, previous cancer stories and concerns for my genetic history. I can’t seem to get a break. I just had a biopsy today to rule out vulvar cancer. I honestly didn’t even know there was such a thing. Has anyone been diagnosed with this and is it more common than what I have been reading?
I am BRCA2 and MSH6 positive. 2 time breast cancer and ovarian cancer survivor I have lived a drug and alcohol free life it just doesn’t end!

Alice

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Gynecologic Cancers Support Group.

@komiskey10

Thank you so much. The time for all of my tests is fast approaching and I am extremely anxious. I have read so much about this cancer and most of what I have been reading is terrifying. I am comforted by the fact that I am not the only one to have faced this challenge. I was told I have lichen sclerosis, but now am not sure I do. I need answers and have to get this all straight in mind and try to accept what is happening.

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I have a paget's disease of the vulva and had to have surgery
No diapers involved. I don't know what that could be. And no this is not our fault. I am now using Imiquimod and feeling tired but hopeful to not have to have surgery again right now. And, every day is a new normal

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@komiskey10

Sorry for the confusion. I meant scans were positive for me. They were negative for disease in lymph nodes or other areas. The scans showed activity in my thyroid. I have cysts and nodules, but have been battling that issue for 10 plus years.... He had me send it to my endocrinologist. Pelvic MRI showed cysts on my ovaries and in my uterus. Thanks for asking.

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@komiskey10 So all good news for you. Congratulations that nothing new showed up in the scans.

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Sorry for the confusion. I meant scans were positive for me. They were negative for disease in lymph nodes or other areas. The scans showed activity in my thyroid. I have cysts and nodules, but have been battling that issue for 10 plus years.... He had me send it to my endocrinologist. Pelvic MRI showed cysts on my ovaries and in my uterus. Thanks for asking.

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@komiskey10 This all is good news. I’m curious, though. When you noted that the pelvic MRI and PET were “positive” did you mean No Evidence of Disease? In that case, the scans would be negative for disease. Did the scans shows anything?

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So my PetScan and pelvic MRI were for the most part positive. I am having partial vulvectomy surgery on March 10. During my office exam, the mole that other doctors said was just a mole didn't look right to my Mayo doctor, so he biopsied and it has been confirmed as malignant, so will be having that removed as well. I am not sure what will happen going forward other than repeat exams and scans, but I feel fortuate that things will not be as horrific as I was first told. I am anxious about missing something going forward. The first "lesion" was so tiny and the second a small mole. I need education on what I need to look for! Thank you all for your kind words and prayers, I feel blessed to have you all as a sounding board.

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I would describe the feeling the same way—tender and sometimes sore. Stretching to get in and out of the car or doing exercises doesn’t bother me anymore, but I do have to occasionally adjust how I sit. Yes, I am guessing this is the new normal.

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@leg51

Hello, ladies. I am also in your boat—had a partial vulvectomy 2 1/2 years ago, which did not achieve clear margins. Since then, I have been through two rounds of treatment with imiquimod, which is very irritating. So I, too, wear longer skirts or harem pants (available through Amazon) without underpants. I have found that I can wear leggings in a size or two larger, so the crotch doesn’t touch my vulva. Feels funny, but works! I strongly second the advice to get biopsies whenever recurrence is suspected. I also rely on Aquaphor to soothe my skin.

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Just curious as to what it feels like when things touch against your vulva?
For me it’s a feeling of soreness and tenderness.
I need to be careful when getting in & out of my car & when sitting.
Just doesn’t feel the same.
Is this the new normal?

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@andwho

Any irritation, inflammation or itchiness? Not sure if this is from detergents. Do you use anything?

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Hello, ladies. I am also in your boat—had a partial vulvectomy 2 1/2 years ago, which did not achieve clear margins. Since then, I have been through two rounds of treatment with imiquimod, which is very irritating. So I, too, wear longer skirts or harem pants (available through Amazon) without underpants. I have found that I can wear leggings in a size or two larger, so the crotch doesn’t touch my vulva. Feels funny, but works! I strongly second the advice to get biopsies whenever recurrence is suspected. I also rely on Aquaphor to soothe my skin.

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@andwho

I also used aquaphor during my treatments and still continue to use it on bad days. I also prefer no underwear!! Do you still suffer with some itchiness or inflammation? I think I need to be careful with detergents I use!! Thanks for your feedback & help!

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Any irritation, inflammation or itchiness? Not sure if this is from detergents. Do you use anything?

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@andwho

I did not have surgery. Had radiation & chemo. It will be 2 years in August since treatments. Still very sensitive down there. In the beginning I could only wear skirts but now I can wear only sweatpants. No leggings. Those days are gone! I have to be careful sitting. I don’t think my skin will ever be the same! Is that normal? I also get itchy & irritated if anything touches that area! Is that normal? No underwear when I’m home!! That feels the best!

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Ok I had part of my vulva removed. so that is the scar I am referring to. I was told my skin will always be sensitive and will probably always be that way. I am 2 years out as well.
Bobbi

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