Vulvar Cancer
This section will take you through the basics of what you need to know about vulvar cancer. It will introduce you to the people who may be part of your treatment team and identify the different types of treatments for vulvar cancer. Hopefully, this information will help prepare you to talk with your treatment team and to feel more confident about your treatment plan.
View the information in this section in our brochure, Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers: Your Guide available at the links below.
- Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers: Your Guide Download | Order Brochures
- Cáncer de Vulva y de Vagina: Su Guía (Español) Download | Order Brochures
- Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers: Your Guide (Chinese) Download | Order Brochures
Vulvar Cancer Overview
Vulvar cancer begins in the vulva, which is the external genitalia that comprises of the inner and outer labia (“lips”), clitoris, urethra where urine exits, opening of the vagina and its glands, as well as the area of skin between the vagina and anus. It is a rare cancer that can be associated with smoking, human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, as well as conditions of the vulva associated with chronic irritation and inflammation. Cancer of the vulva is a rare tumor with the most recent cancer statistics reporting that approximately 5,000 people with gynecologic systems in the U.S. are afflicted annually.
Vulvar cancer is highly curable if detected at an early stage; however, treatment can have significant adverse effects on body image, sexual function, as well as bladder and rectal function. Lower extremity lymphedema, a form of chronic swelling which results from the disruption of lymphatic drainage in the groin, is a long-term complication and is, for the most part, irreversible.
Protection from infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), including HPV vaccination, reduces the risk of vulvar cancer. Examination of the vulva for changes by a person at home or by their gynecologist during their annual pelvic examination can lead to the detection of preinvasive disease or early vulvar cancer. Suspicious or unexplained changes on the vulva should be biopsied.
Vulvar Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms or signs of pre-cancer and cancer include:
- Chronic itching (more than 1-2 weeks)
- Skin that appears different than usual — different colors (red, pink, black, white), as well as shades (either lighter or darker)
- A bump or lump, which could be red, pink or white, and could have a wart-like or raw surface
- Pain or burning
- Bleeding or discharge not related to the normal menstrual period
- Ulcer or open sore (especially if it lasts for a month or more)
- Cauliflower-like growths
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
If vulvar cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist—medical doctors with specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers who can manage your care from diagnosis to completion of treatment to surveillance. Use our Seek a Specialist tool to find a gynecologic oncologist in your area.
During your treatment, you will come in contact with many health care professionals—these people make up your treatment team. They will work with each other and you to provide the special care you need. Learn more about your treatment team.
Surgical Staging
In general, cancers are divided into stages, which are categories or stages that denote how far the cancer cells have spread as well as to estimate risk of recurrence. This is found on imaging, surgery, and/or biopsies, and is not the same as grade of cancer, which is how aggressive the cancer cells appear under the microscope.
For vulvar cancer, the final stage depends on the pathologic review of the surgical specimens from the vulva and regional lymph nodes. Assignment of a stage helps guide therapy or surveillance.
Vulvar Cancer Stages
Stage 1:
The cancer is confined to the vulva or perineum—the area between the anus and the vulva.
Stage 2:
The cancer has spread to the urethra, anus or vagina.
Stage 3:
The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes—the presence and extent of lymph node involvement is an important factor in the determining the risk of recurrence.
Stage 4:
In addition to spreading to nearby lymph nodes, the cancer has spread to distant body parts.
Vulvar Cancer Treatment and Side Effects
What happens after treatment?
Take a moment to explore what survivorship could look like after a gynecologic cancer diagnosis. The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) Survivorship Toolkit provides convenient resources to help you organize information about your diagnosis, treatment and long-term follow-up. This resource discusses staying well, treatment related side effects, sexuality and intimacy, postoperative pain management and more. It is important to take care of your body and mind during and after treatment. Exercise, nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight are important for overall health. It is also important to stay connected with your primary care provider for preventive health care and discuss any concerns you may have with your healthcare team.
Importance of Participation in Clinical Trials
There are many ongoing clinical trials studying new and better ways to treat endometrial cancer. Many treatment options are available today because women diagnosed with endometrial cancer were willing to participate in prior clinical trials.
Clinical trials are designed to test some of the newest and most promising treatments for endometrial cancer. The Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) partners with NRG Oncology (formerly Gynecologic Oncology Group), part of the National Cancer Institute cooperative group working only on gynecologic cancer clinical trials, and others to make information about current clinical trials available. For more information about clinical trials available for enrollment, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.