[Malignant tumors of the vulva. Incidence and epidemiologic characteristics].

Over recent years cancer of the vulva has occupied an important position among gynecological neoplasia. It is possible that in the future, due to increased life expectation and the consequent aging of the population, there will be a considerable increase in this pathology. Today the survival rate after five years in patients affected by this invasive tumour is just over 50%, notwithstanding the mutilating and complex surgical treatment. Greater attention on behalf of both patient and doctor to a difficult and often neglected symptomatology, the identification of effective risk factors and a greater knowledge of the natural history of this disease may allow early diagnosis in the future and possibly help reduce the incidence of the disease.