The labia majora and the perineum are covered with skin similar to that on the rest of the body. In contrast, the labia minora are lined with a mucous membrane, whose surface is kept moist by fluid secreted by specialized cells. The opening to the vagina is called the introitus.
The vaginal opening is the entryway for the penis during sexual intercourse and the exit for blood during menstruation and for the baby during birth. When stimulated, Bartholin glands located beside the vaginal opening secrete a thick fluid that supplies lubrication for intercourse. The opening to the urethra, which carries urine from the bladder to the outside, is located above and in front of the vaginal opening.
The clitoris, located between the labia minora at their upper end, is a small protrusion that corresponds to the penis in the male. The clitoris, like the penis, is very sensitive to sexual stimulation and can become erect. Stimulating the clitoris can result in an orgasm. Merck and Co. From developing new therapies that treat and prevent disease to helping people in need, we are committed to improving health and well-being around the world.
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Common Health Topics. Biology of the Female Reproductive System. Test your knowledge. A breast lump mass is a thickening or bump that feels different from surrounding breast tissue. Which of the following statements about breast lumps is NOT correct? More Content.
Enabling sperm to enter the body. External Female Genital Organs. Most cancers of the vulva are squamous cell carcinomas. This type of cancer starts in squamous cells, the main type of skin cells. There are several subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma:. Cancer that starts in gland cells is called adenocarcinoma. About 8 of every vulvar cancers are adenocarcinomas. Vulvar adenocarcinomas most often start in cells of the Bartholin glands.
These glands are found just inside the opening of the vagina. A Bartholin gland cancer is easily mistaken for a cyst build-up of fluid in the gland , so it's common to take awhile to get an accurate diagnosis. Most Bartholin gland cancers are adenocarcinomas. Adenocarcinomas can also form in the sweat glands of the vulvar skin. Paget disease of the vulva is a condition in which adenocarcinoma cells are found in the top layer of the vulvar skin.
In the remaining patients, the cancer cells are found only in the skin's top layer and have not grown into the tissues below. Melanomas are cancers that start in the pigment-producing cells that give skin color. They are much more common on sun-exposed areas of the skin, but can start in other areas, such as the vulva.
Vulvar melanomas are rare, making up about 6 of every vulvar cancers. More information on this can be found in Melanoma Skin Cancer. A sarcoma is a cancer that starts in the cells of bones, muscles, or connective tissue. Less than 2 of every vulvar cancers are sarcomas.
Unlike other cancers of the vulva, vulvar sarcomas can occur in females at any age, including in childhood. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer, is more often found on sun-exposed areas of the skin.
It occurs very rarely on the vulva. The American Cancer Society medical and editorial content team. Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material.
For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Download this topic [PDF]. What Is Vulvar Cancer? Types of vulvar cancer Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control.
Squamous cell carcinomas Most cancers of the vulva are squamous cell carcinomas. There are several subtypes of squamous cell carcinoma: The keratinizing type is most common. Basaloid and warty types are less common. These are the kinds more often found in younger women with HPV infections.
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