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

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

How is vulvar cancer diagnosed?

Different tests may be performed to assess symptoms and diagnose vulvar cancer, including determining the type and stage of the disease.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

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