What is vulvar cancer?
Chapter 01
What is vulvar cancer?
Vulvar cancer, also known as vulval cancer or cancer of the vulva, occurs when abnormal cells in the vulva grow in an uncontrolled way. The vulva is the external part of a woman’s genitals and includes the labia minora (inner lips of the vulva), labia majora (outer lips of the vulva), clitoris, mons pubis (area covered with pubic hair), and perineum (skin between the vagina and the anus). Vulvar cancer may develop in any of these tissues.1,2 Vulvar cancer is rare.1
Types of vulvar cancer
There are different types of vulvar cancer, which are named after the cell type where the cancer first develops.1 Types of vulvar cancer may include:1,2
- Squamous cell carcinoma – most vulvar cancers develop in the thin, flat squamous cells covering the vulvar surface and usually grow slowly over a few years
- Vulvar (mucosal) melanoma – develops in the cells that give skin its colour (called melanocytes), which are found in the lining of the vulva
- Adenocarcinoma – a rare type of vulvar cancer that develops from cells lining glands in the skin of the vulva
- Sarcoma – a rare type of vulvar cancer that develops in cells found in muscle or fat under the skin
- Basal cell carcinoma – a rare type of vulvar cancer that develops in basal cells of the skin
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Vulvar cancer may be associated with a range of symptoms, which may include:1,2
- Persistent itching, burning, or pain in the vulva
- A lump, wart-like growth, or swelling on the vulva
- A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
- Blood, pus, or other discharge coming from a lesion or sore spot in the vulva
- Raised patches of discoloured skin
- Swollen lymph nodes around the groin
These are not all the possible symptoms of vulvar cancer. Symptoms and their severity will vary between individuals. Some symptoms may be difficult to notice. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it doesn't necessarily mean that you have vulvar cancer. You should make an appointment with your GP or specialist for a check-up and to discuss any concerns you may have.1
The causes of vulvar cancer are not fully understood, but different risk factors may increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer. These risk factors may include:1,2
- Smoking
- Age over 70 years
- Previous cervical or vaginal cancer
- Precancerous skin conditions such as vulvar squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or lichen sclerosus
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
- Weakened immune system
If you have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn't necessarily mean that you will develop vulvar cancer. If you have any questions or concerns about vulvar cancer risk factors, please talk to your GP or specialist.1
Diagnosis
Chapter 02
Diagnosing vulvar cancer
Different tests may be performed to assess symptoms and diagnose vulvar cancer, including identifying the type and disease stage.2 As well as a physical examination, other tests may include:1,2
- Colposcopy – this test uses a small, low-powered microscope called a colposcope to examine the vulva and vagina, allowing the doctor or nurse to see the area in more detail
- Biopsy – a sample of tissue may be taken from any abnormal areas and sent to a pathologist to be examined under a microscope for signs of cancer
- Cervical Screening Test – this test looks for any signs of certain types of HPV, and may be recommended if screening has not been done recently
- Imaging scans – X-ray, computerised tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be considered to detect or assess vulvar cancer
Treatment options
Chapter 03
Treatment options for vulvar cancer
Treatment recommended for vulvar cancer depends on different factors including the type, stage, and severity of cancer, as well as the patient’s general health, age, and personal preferences.1,2 Treatment options may include:1,2
- Surgery – this treatment aims to remove the cancer and is the most common form of treatment offered for vulvar cancer; surgery may be used alone, or in combination with radiation therapy or chemotherapy; the type of surgery recommended usually depends on the stage of vulvar cancer
- Chemotherapy – this treatment uses medications, usually given by injection or tablet, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread; chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments
- Radiation therapy – this treatment uses a controlled dose of radiation, usually in the form of high energy X-rays, to help kill cancer cells or slow their growth and spread
All cancer treatments may have side effects. The type and severity of side effects will vary between individuals. You can ask your doctor for detailed information about the side effects that may be associated with any treatment recommended for you.1
Side effects
Chapter 04
Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare
A cancer diagnosis can be life changing, and you may experience many different emotions[1] .1 Your care team aim to know your name as quickly as possible, and to understand who you are as a person.
Your multidisciplinary care team is here to support you before, during and after your cancer treatment. We aim to provide you with the support you need, which may also include allied health services such as a psychologist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist, and dietitian.
If you have any enquiries about our centres or services, please contact your local GenesisCare centre. View a list of our centres here.
Helpful services
Chapter 05
Other helpful services
We understand that you may have more questions about vulvar cancer. You may find the following organisations helpful to contact:
Cancer Council Australia
Cancer Council is Australia’s leading cancer charity, supporting families, advocating for the community, empowering cancer prevention, and advancing detection and treatment methods across all cancer types.
Australian Cancer Research Foundation
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) funds cutting-edge cancer research by providing scientists with advanced technology and infrastructure to improve cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.
Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (AGCF)
The Australian Gynaecological Cancer Foundation (AGCF) funds research and raises awareness for gynaecological cancers while supporting affected women through advocacy and educational initiatives.
- Cancer Council. Understanding vulvar cancer. September 2023. Available: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/vulvar-cancer [accessed February 2024].
- Cancer Australia. Vulval cancer. October 2023. Available: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/vulval-cancer/overview [accessed February 2024].
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Disclaimer:
This website is provided for information purposes only. Nothing on this website is intended to be used as medical advice, or to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice. Any medical procedure or treatment carries risks. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.