VACO

Self Awareness

VACO is here to help all  ladies. firstly, to find out how to do a Vulva Self Exam which will take approx 10 minutes of your time, this can be done at the same time as your breast exam.  I am sure you all will do this on a regular basis. You may find it strange when you first start to do your VSE but you will soon get used to doing one and it will become as easy as your breast exam. You need to get know what is normal for your vulva, and if you do notice any changes please make an appointment to see your GP. Please remember vulval cancer is accountable for 4% of all gynae cancers and is, in fact one of the rarer, less common cancers. It is not our intention to scare you, but to make you aware of the importance of how to do a  vulva self exam, and id you do spot any changes make an appointment to see your GP.

Vulval Cancer if caught early has a high success rate and excellent long term prognosis, also please remember the majority of vulval disorders and conditions are treatable.

In the last 6 years, during my time speaking with so many ladies, is becoming increasingly evident that diagnosis and treatments of the vulva are sadly not always satisfactory. These problem will not go away unless we are prepared to stand up and do something about them. We all need to be “Aware” if we are we can pass it on to as many ladies we come into contact with.

You will find the link to the VSE leaflet in the index above. Please make sure you visit this page, and pass this on to your family and friends.

Our aim is to offer good quality information about vulval cancer, what treatment you may be offered and how to get through all of this. Along with an Aftercare Booklet which you can print off which I am sure you will find very useful. I am sure you will find something in the booklet which will make you life a lot more comfortable after your surgery and help you with your recovery.

There is also information a booklet on Lymphoedema & Aftercare where you will find lots of good skin care advice and lots of useful information, which you need to be aware of if you have had your Lymph nodes removed in your groins. There are a few things you cannot do now which you may well have done before you had your nodes removed. Please read this booklet carefully so you will be aware of everything you need to know and be aware of now. Prevention of these problems is better than cure.

We also aim to offer practical help and support, which we hope, will help you find it easier to access all the relelvant information you will need throughout this devastating time in your llife

The psychological aspect of being diagnosed with vulva cancer along with the radical surgery and major body image change can have a huge affect on your life, and your relationship and also all of your family members.

Diagnosis  

It is becoming increasingly apparent that diagnosing diseases and conditions of the vulva is not easy. Sadly, there are so many diseases and disorders, which can present with very similar symptoms and Doctors are unfamiliar with a lot of the less common ones. Therefore, it is important that we all get the correct treatment so the problem can be diagnosed as soon as possible and the correct treatment can start immediately.

It is also very distressing waiting for your diagnosis as this just adds to the stress and can quite often make matters worse. All vulval problems do cause considerable distress to all Ladies who are those diagnosed with them.  During this time if you have not been offered any information or support, please call your Specialist Nurse or Cancer Bacup or the Macmillan Helpline one of them will be able to offer you support and tell you where you can access any information. (All the help lines phone number are available on the Support and Information page).

The list of diseases and conditions is below is quite long, some more serious than others. I will list what I know of and if you do across any which I have not included please email me at vacouk@yahoo.com and I will add it to this list below:

Cancerous conditions

Vulval cancer is classified according to its cell of origin. This can include:

Squamous cell carcinoma - originating in the skin cells. This type accounts for about 90 per cent of cases. /manageable including cancer. As with all cancers, the earlier it is detected the better the outcome.

Melanoma - originating in the pigment cells deeper in the skin. This type accounts for about five per cent of cases.

Adenocarcinoma - originating from the Bartholin’s glands, the structures that supply lubricant. This type accounts for less than one per cent of cases.

Sarcoma - originating from fat cells. This type is quite rare.

Lymphoma - originating from the immune cells. This type is quite rare.

Basal cell carcinoma - a form of skin cancer. This type is quite rare.

Other disease and disorders which can affect the vulva are: