Authors

María Vicenta Ballesteros Úbeda

Position

Enfermera del Servicio de Ginecología y Obstetricia. Hospital Universitario de Móstoles. Profesora vinculada en Ciencias de la Salud. Universidad Rey Juan Carlos. Alcorcón.

Contact address

C/ Hierro, 15. 28607 El Álamo (Madrid).

Contact email: ballesterosubedamarivi@hotmail.com

Abstract

Vulvar melanoma represents 5-10% of malignant vulvar neoplasias. It is a rare tumour, that must be taken into account in cases where pigmented lesions develop in the vulva of an elderly patient, or even without apparent lesion, when there is a persistent pruritus which is resistant to common treatments. The main prognostic factors are: thickness of the primary lesion, and node involvement. The treatment of vulvar melanoma is mainly surgical, and the trend in the past decades has been to conduct increasingly conservative techniques. The lack of a curative treatment for metastatic vulvar melanoma underlines the importance of prevention and early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the need for research regarding new chemotherapy agents, immunotherapy, and genetic therapy.
Nursing assessment involves a careful evaluation of the medical, familial, social, cultural, psychological and occupational background of the patient, as well as systematic physical examinations. Additionally, Nursing professionals will play an essential role in primary and secondary prevention of vulvar melanoma.
This article describes the characteristics of this type of melanoma, risk factors, and the prevention and treatment interventions available.

Keywords:

Vulvar melanoma; cancer; risk factors; primary prevention; secondary prevention; vulvectomyhealth education

Versión en Español

Título:

Melanoma vulvar: papel enfermero en la prevención primaria y secundaria