Englishwoman Gina Thornton lived for years with itching and pain in her private space, which she described as “a constant feeling of being on fire.” Although she visited a doctor and underwent a series of procedures to get relief, including implantation of an IUD, she did not discover until very late that the symptom ignored by doctors was caused by cancer.
The housewife had lived with various diagnoses of inflammatory diseases and infections of the reproductive system for almost 10 years, but discovered that the worsening symptoms she had experienced were the result of cancer that had spread throughout the pelvic region. The tumor led her, in 2024, to radical surgery which amputated her anus, perineum and vulva.
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A life of diagnoses
Symptoms began when she was 46, in 2016. With increasingly irregular periods and a constantly swollen vulva, she was diagnosed with endometriosis. And she was also treated for candidiasis, a common fungal infection in the vagina.
The symptoms persisted, however, and a few months later he was diagnosed with lichen sclerosus, an inflammatory skin disease that causes itching, usually around the genitals.
For a few years, she was able to manage the symptoms thanks to treatments performed for these diagnoses. However, in 2024, the symptoms worsened and she began experiencing continuous itching and burning sensations, to the point where she could no longer sleep.
“My vulva was very swollen and despite proper treatment the skin was still inflamed, my butt was rock hard and the pain was only getting worse to the point where I could barely walk and had sleepless nights,” Gina recalled in an interview with The Sun.
Late diagnosis and confirmation of cancer
As her symptoms worsened, Gina, then 57, was referred to a hormonal IUD to try to reduce her symptoms. The measure resulted in more intense seizures and an increased burning sensation. Only after early removal of the device did imaging tests confirm the cause of the new discomfort: early-stage vulvar cancer.
“My heart sank when they told me it was cancer. Even though it was caught early, I knew my life was about to change forever,” he said. The discovery only came after, in March 2024, a small tear appeared near the bottom of the vulva.
The lesion quickly developed into a painful cyst and then ruptured. After weeks of investigation and biopsy, stage 1B vulvar cancer was confirmed as a result of HPV infection. Stage 1B indicates a tumor larger than 2 centimeters.
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According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), cancer is one of the main public health problems in the world and one of the four main causes of death before the age of 70 in several countries. As this is an increasingly common problem, the earlier it is identified, the greater the chances of recovery.
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It is therefore important to pay attention to the signals emitted by the body. Although some tumors have no symptoms, cancer often causes changes in the body. Know certain signs that may appear in the presence of the disease
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Weight loss for no apparent reason can be one of the main symptoms of different types of cancer, such as: stomach, lung, pancreas, etc.
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Persistent changes in skin texture for no apparent reason can also be a warning sign, especially swelling and bumps in the chest, neck, groin, testicles, armpits and stomach.
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A persistent cough, although a common symptom of many illnesses, should be investigated if it persists for more than four weeks. If it is accompanied, for example, by shortness of breath and shortness of blood, this may be a sign of lung disease.
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Another characteristic sign of cancer is a change in the appearance of moles. Changes in size, color and shape should also be investigated, especially if they are peeling, bleeding or have retained fluid.
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Blood in the stool or urine may be a sign of kidney, bladder or bowel cancer. Additionally, pain and difficulty urinating should also be investigated.
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Pain for no apparent reason that lasts more than four weeks, whether frequent or intermittent, may be a sign of cancer. This is because some tumors can put pressure on bones, nerves and other organs, causing discomfort.
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Severe, recurring heartburn that is painful and seemingly persistent can indicate various types of illnesses, such as throat or stomach cancer. In addition, difficulty and pain when swallowing should also be investigated, as they may be a sign of esophageal disease.
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Vulvar cancer and drastic treatment
Vulvar cancer is considered rare, it is a type of gynecological cancer that affects the outer region of the female reproductive system. It occurs on average in 2 women per 100,000 people. In 2022, 47,000 women were diagnosed worldwide and 18,000 died from this tumor, according to Globocan data from IARC/WHO.
In November 2024, Gina underwent an anovulvectomy. The procedure removed the vulva, perineum and anus to prevent the tumor from spreading. “I was devastated,” she said. “I was terrified that I would never look normal again, but I had no choice but to have this operation. My gynecologist told me that if I didn’t do it, I would die.”
Post-operative
The surgical outcome was considered successful. After surgery, there was no indication for chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Gina began using an ostomy bag to collect waste since the end of her digestive system had been removed. Since then, she has tried to adapt, but now without pain or itching.
The operation made it possible to preserve a good part of his intimate structures. “I still have my labia and my clitoris; they’re hidden, but they still work.”
She and her husband began having sex again four months after the operations. “Honestly, it’s even better. Colin supported me and assured me that nothing would ever change. And it was nice to feel that love,” he concludes.
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