About Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva, a woman's external genitalia. The vulva includes the clitoris, inner and outer lips of the vagina, the mons pubis, the vaginal opening and the perineum. Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer vaginal lips. Less often, cancer affects the inner vaginal lips, clitoris or vaginal glands.
Vulvar cancer usually forms slowly over several years. Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time, a condition called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Because VIN can become vulvar cancer, it's very important to get treatment.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Vulvar Cancer
Vaginal cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms. It may be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test. Signs and symptoms may be caused by vaginal cancer or by other conditions. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- Lump on the vulva
- Bleeding (not related to menstrual periods)
- Changes in vulvar skin
- Itching in vulvar area
- Changes in vulvar skin
- Tenderness in vulvar area
Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or HPV infection can affect the risk of vulvar cancer.
Risk factors for vulvar cancer include the following:
- Having a history of genital warts
- Having human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
Other possible risk factors include the following:
- Having a history of abnormal Pap tests
- Having first sexual intercourse at a young age
- Having many sexual partners
Vulvar Cancer Experts You Can Count On
Rest assured that the specialized cancer care you need is close to home. Our experienced oncologists treat vulvar cancer with the utmost expertise and compassion, and will design a well-rounded treatment plan with your whole health in mind.
Find Us in Your Community
Across the nation, each of our locations offering cancer treatment contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute network. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.