What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Vulvar Mucinous Carcinoma

What is Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva? (Definition/Background Information)

• Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva is a very rare malignant tumor. It is typically observed in middle-aged and older women
• The tumor is normally painless and grows slowly in the vulva (the external opening of the vagina); metastasis is known to occur with this tumor type
• The risk factors and cause of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva are generally unknown
• The treatment of choice is a surgical excision with clear margins followed by radiation therapy or chemotherapy, as decided by the healthcare provider
• In majority of the cases, the prognosis is good with appropriate early treatment. However, the prognosis of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva also depends upon the stage of the tumor, health status of the individual, and whether it has metastasized

Who gets Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva is a very infrequent condition that is normally observed in women in the age range 40-70 years
• There is no predilection for any racial or ethnic group

What are the Risk Factors for Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva are not well-established

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva? (Etiology)

• The cause of development of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva is unknown
• Genetic mutations have been suspected by researchers in some cases, but these have not been well-characterized
• The condition is not contagious and does not spread from one individual to another; it is also not a sexually-transmitted infection

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva?

Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva may present the following signs and symptoms:

• This malignant tumor is typically seen as a solitary lesion on the vulva (around the vagina)
• It can vary in size from 1-10 cm
• The tumor is generally painless and it grows slowly
• The skin lesion may ulcerate, which can cause pain at the site

How is Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva may involve the following:

• A thorough medical history and physical examination
• Dermoscopy: It is a diagnostic tool where a dermatologist examines the skin using a special magnified lens
• Wood’s lamp examination: In this procedure, the healthcare provider examines the skin using ultraviolet light. It is performed to examine the change in skin pigmentation
• Transillumination test is a helpful tool in diagnosis of the tumor
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva?

The complications of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva may include the following:

• The tumor usually does not metastasize, but metastasis is known to occur to the local lymph nodes
• Ulceration of the tumor can lead to secondary infections of bacteria and fungus
• Difficulty or discomfort in having sex
• Some individuals may develop stress and anxiety fearing that the condition is a sexually-transmitted infection
• Recurrence of the tumor after a period of time, on incomplete removal
• Side effects of chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation

How is Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva Treated?

The treatment of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva may involve the following:

• In most cases, a wide surgical excision and removal of the entire tumor is the preferred treatment option. This may be followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy
• If the tumor has metastasized, then a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures may be used to treat the tumor
• Provide reassurance and support to help the individual with stress and anxiety
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no known methods to prevent Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva occurrence
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations, are mandatory, due to its metastasizing potential and possibility of recurrence. Often several years of active vigilance is necessary

What is the Prognosis of Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva is a malignant tumor and its prognosis depends upon a set of several factors, which include:
  • Stage of tumor: With lower-stage tumors, when the tumor is confined to site of origin, the prognosis is usually excellent with appropriate therapy. In higher-stage tumors, such as tumors with metastasis, the prognosis is poor
  • The surgical respectability of the tumor (meaning, if the tumor can be removed completely) 
  • Overall health of the individual: Individuals with overall excellent health have better prognosis compared to those with poor health
  • Age of the individual: Older individuals generally have poorer prognosis than younger individuals
  • Whether the tumor is occurring for the first time, or is a recurrent tumor. Recurring tumors have a poorer prognosis compared to tumors that do not recur
  • Response to treatment: Tumors that respond to treatment have better prognosis compared to tumors that do not respond so well to treatment
• An early diagnosis and prompt treatment of the tumor generally yields better outcomes than a late diagnosis and delayed treatment
• If metastasis (such as to the local lymph nodes) is observed, then the prognosis is unpredictable
• Regular follow up visits with the healthcare provider are important

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mucinous Carcinoma of Vulva:

• There is no evidence to prove that the tumor formation is influenced by one’s dietary choices
• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the skin condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• The presence of dirt on the body is not a causative factor for the condition. However, it helps to be clean and hygienic, which may help the condition from getting worse