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.

Every 6 months currently I am very disappointed with my current Dr and the lack of knowledge or perhaps being unwilling to admit they know nothing but couldn’t wait to do surgery
I have an appointment with a highly regarded urologist Dr Kelly Casperson. Who I hope can refer me to a better Dr

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@lrcg

Hey All
I have Pagets of the Vulva and have had a partial vulvectomy one year ago
Im pretty sure its back in another area. Is this different than what you have? Im trying to find a Dr who knows anything about Pagets.
Thanks and my prayers to all. We must be brave and positive
LRCG

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I also have Paget’s of the vulva. I had a radical vulvectomy in September. Yes, it does come back. The cancer was completely removed with clear margins in my case. I am in Michigan and see a doctor at Karmanos Cancer Center.

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I am currently on a 6 mo check up with the Gyn/Onc but there is no scan. Its a visual look which I must say I havent a lot of confidence in.
I really feel as if Im in a rowboat with no oars.

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@lrcg

I am currently on a 6 mo check up with the Gyn/Onc but there is no scan. Its a visual look which I must say I havent a lot of confidence in.
I really feel as if Im in a rowboat with no oars.

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Juju67
I am so thankful for you. Thank you for responding
May I ask how long you have had Pagets and your age? It is so helpful to find someone else and have some support.
How long have you been free from the pagets or do you think it will come back?
Do you do any dietary measures or naturopathic medicine?

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I’m aware that vulvar cancer is considered rare so how do you find another woman who understands what you are going through? I am also a cancer survivor (endometrioid adenocarcinoma diagnosed in 2019, recurrence in 2021) so while I do not share the diagnoses that you’ve all shared in this group I do know what it feels like to be diagnosed with cancer. Who do you talk to? Who « gets » it?

I want you all to know that I appreciate each and every one of you and how you care about for another. Thank you all for deciding to come to Mayo Clinic Connect and for supporting one another.

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@lrcg

Juju67
I am so thankful for you. Thank you for responding
May I ask how long you have had Pagets and your age? It is so helpful to find someone else and have some support.
How long have you been free from the pagets or do you think it will come back?
Do you do any dietary measures or naturopathic medicine?

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I am 67. I first noticed a growth/lesion in April 2023. I was seeing my primary care doc at that time. It took until August to get an appointment with a gynecologist. A biopsy was done and I saw a gynecologic oncologist.
I’m not sure I will ever be “free” of Paget’s as mine is invasive. As of today, it isn’t detectable anywhere else. My understanding is it could show up in other organs because it is invasive. I also am not sure if all Paget’s are invasive or not.
I haven’t sought out any dietary or naturopathic medicine yet. I am dealing with lymphedema due to sentinel lymph nodes being removed during surgery.
One step at a time. I am open to suggestions, though.
I was told the same as you as far as follow up. No scans, just a visual check.

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Thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed in November of 22 had surgery partial vulvectomy
Im quite sure that i have had this for 5 years before being diagnosed it was not in my lymph nodes the Dr’s have checked all my organs as well I read in a medical journal report that 25% of us have cancer someplace else. So far none detected. I wonder about immune therapy.
I see a new Dr in February and have a referral with a new Gyn/Onc that hasnt come through yet. I will post any news I have. If you search PubMed you can find a few studies on pagets. I am 59 soon to turn 60. Hang in there I will post more on my naturopathic Dr when Im not typing on my phone.

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@blonde69

Hi Talley,

God bless you that you survived your cancer diagnosis! At 65, About 5 years ago, I had a biopsy on my vulva...it was pre-cancer. Doctor did surgery to remove the affected area. From what I have read, vulva cancer is rare and usually affects women over 65. Two weeks ago, my OBGYN performed two biopsies on my vulva. There were two large lumps. I get the results on Thursday, 1/4. I'm extremely nervous because no doctor (I had CT scan, pelvic exams,, xrays....you name it, I had it done). The pelvic pain is so severe, I can't walk. I have an MRI scheduled for January 20th specifically for my pelvic area. I have always been healthy through my younger years up to my 50's. As I retired (I'm coming up on 70) All this health issues came up. As always, your OBGYN should be able to help you. I hope all works well for you and you are in my prayers. Keep in touch as I would like to know how you are doint.

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Hi @blonde69, I've been thinking about you. How did the appointment go last week? What did you learn? How are you doing?

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