Vulvar cancer (also known as vulval or vulva cancer, or cancer of the vulva) is a type of cancer that occurs anywhere on the external female genitals (vulva). It mostly affects women who have gone through menopause but it can occur in younger women.
Vulvar cancer has no obvious symptoms in its early stages, but they can include itching and burning, lumps and lesions, bleeding not related to your period, or thickened, raised patches of skin. As there is no known way to prevent or screen for vulvar cancer, it’s important to see your doctor if you notice any symptoms.
What is vulvar cancer?
Risk of vulvar cancer
Signs & symptoms of vulvar cancer
How is vulvar cancer diagnosed?
Referral to a gynaecological oncologist
Treatment for vulvar cancer
Prevention of vulvar cancer
When to see your doctor
Vulvar cancer is cancer that occurs anywhere on the vulva (the external female genitals). The most common area for this type of cancer to develop is the labia minora (inner lips), labia majora (outer lips) and the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus).
There are several types of vulvar cancer:
Vulvar cancer mostly occurs in women who have gone through menopause, however younger women may also experience it.
It’s estimated that around 447 women are diagnosed with vulvar cancer each year, which represents 0.7% of all female cancers.
The exact cause of vulvar cancer isn’t known, but known risk factors include:
Just because you have risk factors, doesn’t mean you will get vulvar cancer. However, some women who develop this type of cancer don’t have any risk factors at all. If you’re concerned about your risk, speak to your doctor.
There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of vulvar cancer. However, some symptoms may include:
These symptoms may be due to other conditions and not related to vulvar cancer. However, if you notice any of them, visit your doctor.
Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, health history and family health history. A physical examination will then be conducted, including a pelvic examination where they will examine your vulva, vagina and cervix.
Other tests used to diagnose vulvar cancer include:
If your assessment and investigations suggest vulvar cancer is a possibility, ask your doctor for an immediate referral to a gynaecological oncologist. Gynaecological oncologists are specialist gynaecologists who treat cancers such as vulvar cancer.
If the above tests show that you have vulvar cancer, further tests may be used to check if the cancer has spread (metastasised) to other parts of the body. These may include:
Treatment for vulvar cancer depends on the extent of the cancer. It may include any of, or a combination of, the following:
There are no proven ways to prevent vulvar cancer, and there is no national screening program in Australia. However, not smoking, having regular cervical screening tests and being immunised against HPV may reduce your risk.
Any vulvar conditions such as lichen sclerosus and lichen planus need to be diagnosed and managed to stop itching and scratching, which are damaging to tissues as well.
In most cases, early detection and diagnosis lead to good outcomes, which is why it’s important to see your doctor if you feel something isn’t quite right.
It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed above, or anything else that is unusual.
Further information about vulvar cancer can be found at:
This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner. The information above is based on current medical knowledge, evidence and practice as at July 2021.
