The formation of malignant neoplasms is associated with a loss of the characteristic morphological features of the cells and their strong growth. Unlike benign neoplasms, malignant neoplasms are characterized by the ability to metastasize, that is, to reach and develop beyond the limits of the organ in which they originally appeared. Malignant neoplasms of the external genital organs are not common. Cancer of the vulva, a neoplasm originating from the epithelial tissue of the external genital organs, occurs mainly in women after the age of 45. Another malignant disease that can develop in the genital area is melanoma. Its origin is from the cells in the epidermis that produce the pigment melanin. Prerequisites for the development of cancer – carcinoma of the external genital organs The development of carcinoma of the external genital organs is associated with advancing age. Very rarely, it can be found in women before the age of 45. Infection with the human papilloma virus – HPV may be the cause of the development of vulvar carcinoma. High-risk types 6, 16, 18 may be a prerequisite for the development of a precancerous condition. Frequent inflammatory infections of the external genital organs are risk factors for the development of carcinoma. Carcinoma of the external genitalia is significantly more common in female smokers. The detection of precancerous conditions that are associated with changes in cells are a prerequisite for the development of carcinoma and require increased monitoring. Cancer of the external genital organs most often affects the labia majora, significantly less often it can be found initially appearing on the labia minora or the clitoris. Complaints of women related to the development of carcinoma of the external genital organs The most common complaint of women with carcinoma of the external genital organs is severe and prolonged itching in the genital area. Changes in skin color in the area are also characteristic. Depending on the type of genital carcinoma, the presence of a painful ulcer or growths in the form of exophytes may be detected. Bleeding is another symptom characteristic of carcinoma. As a result of the growth of the tumor process and the involvement of neighboring organs, women may have complaints related to painful urination or defecation. NEWS_MORE_BOX Making the diagnosis – carcinoma of the external genital organs Cancer development in carcinoma of the external genital organs is slow and proceeds with characteristic symptoms. Making the diagnosis, in addition to a gynecological examination, also includes vulvoscopy, as well as cytological and histological examination. After establishing the presence of changes, a targeted biopsy can be performed. Taking a small piece of woven material. Treatment of carcinoma of the external genital organs The first choice of treatment after diagnosis – carcinoma of the vulva is surgery. The main route of spread of cancer of the external genital organs is lymphatic.Very often, the first metastases are found in the lymphatic vessels around the external genitalia. For this reason, surgical intervention includes, in addition to removal of the neoplasm and lymph nodes in the area. Chemotherapy is most often used in women whose stage of the disease is advanced and does not allow for surgical intervention. Radiation therapy is only used for small tumors. Protecting women from frequent inflammatory diseases in the genital area is a prerequisite for reducing the possibility of developing carcinoma of the external genital organs. This can be achieved by reducing sexual partners and using condoms during intercourse.