The appearance of vulvar cancer will vary depending on the bang out.
Itching and pain may also occur.
Vulvar cancer is a rare key in of cancer that affects the vulva.
Brooke Schaal Photography / Getty Images
The external female genitals, called thevulva, include the labia majora, the labia minora, and theclitoris.
Early detection ofvulvar cancerhelps improve the likelihood of successful treatment.
However, as the disease progresses, you may start to see changes and other symptoms may develop.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
You may experience itching throughout the vulvar area if you have vulvar cancer.
Itching is the most common symptom of vulvar cancer.
Burning, or pain, is also possible in the early stages of vulvar cancer.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
It is also possible to experience bleeding that is different than your normal menstrual period.
Itching is not uncommon, so don’t be alarmed if you experience vulvar itching once in a while.
Usually it goes away on its own.
Vulvar cancer can be misdiagnosed.
For example, eczema or psoriasis can be mistaken for vulvar cancer due to their similar appearance.
And yeast infections share many of the same symptoms (such as burning and itching) as vulvar cancer.
Thus, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms that persist.
A misdiagnosis can delay treatment.
The skin of the vulva may look and feel thicker and have flakiness to it.
It frequently causes vulvar itching but can also cause pain or burning.
Types
There are various types of vulvar cancers which appear different.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Verrucous Carcinoma
Verrucouscarcinoma is a slow-growing subtype of squamous cell carcinoma that looks like a wart.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma is a tumor of the connective tissue beneath the skin of the vulva.
How to Do a Self-Exam
Every vulva looks different.
A monthly vulvar self-exam can help women become familiar with their unique pattern, size, and coloration.
Performing regular vulvar self-exams can help to spot any abnormalities before they become a larger problem.
This includes infections, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vulvar cancer, or other conditions.
A vulvar self-exam teaches you what isnormal in appearanceforyourvulva.
Vulvar self-exams should be done about once a month, in between menstrual cycles.
If you are no longer menstruating, set a regular date to perform a vulvar self-exam.
The exam itself should only take about five to 10 minutes.
To begin a vulvar self-exam, stand, squat, or sit over the top of a handheld mirror.
double-check it’s possible for you to clearly see your genitals.
Also known as dysplasia, VIN is a precancerous condition that can develop into cancer.
Risk Factors
The risk of vulvar cancer increases with age.
Other risk factors include:
Diagnosis
Early signs of vulvar cancer are similar to non-cancerous conditions.
Vulvar biopsies can be done in your gynecologist’s office.
If the area is small, it may be removed completely in what is known as an excisional biopsy.
In some cases, stitches may be needed.
The sample is then sent to a lab for testing.
If cancer is detected, additional testing will be used to determine the stage.
Does a Vulvar Biopsy Hurt?
The most uncomfortable part of a vulvar biopsy is thelocal anestheticshot given to numb the area.
It is given with a tiny needle and feels like a minor sting.
Once the anesthetic kicks in, you may feel pressure but no pain or discomfort.
Treatment
Vulvar cancer is often treated with surgery to remove abnormal cells.
In others, the entire vulva needs to be removed in a procedure known as a vulvectomy.
Chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments may be needed after surgery to treat vulvar cancer.
Summary
Vulvar cancer can be detected early for effective treatment.
Monthly vulvar self-exams are recommended to help you quickly identify changes.
it’s possible for you to check your vulva yourself using a mirror or cell phone camera.
Look for any spots, sores, changes in skin color or texture, bumps, or rashes.
Some people ask their intimate partner to help and make it easier.
Report any changes to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Regardless of the cause, early detection and treatment are beneficial.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Vulvar cancer.
2015;7:305-313. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S68979
American Cancer Society.Signs and Symptoms of Vulvar Cancers and Pre-Cancers.
Dana Farber Cancer Institute.When Should I Worry About a Lump Under the Skin?
2021;25(2):166-171. doi:10.1097/LGT.0000000000000585
National Vulvodynia Association.Vulvar self-examination.
In:Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems.Association for Computing Machinery.
2016: 181021. doi:10.1145/2858036.2858119
Planned Parenthood.Wellness Visit.
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.Get your well woman visit every year.
American Cancer Society.What causes vulvar cancer?
Baylor College of Medicine.Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for vulvar cancer.
American Cancer Society.Tests for vulvar cancer.
2020;135(2):311-318. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000003660
