Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a relatively less common type of cancer affecting the external female genitalia. The cancer commonly is of the squamous cell variety and affects the labia majora or minora.

Common symptoms of vulvar cancer

The common symptom of vulvar cancer is a continuous itch.

Distinctive symptoms of vulvar cancer

Some of the other more distinctive symptoms of the condition include (1-5);

  • Long term itch over the vulva. This is a nonspecific complaint that may be seen in various conditions and is usually not a diagnostic symptom of vulvar cancer.
  • Some women may develop a mass, swelling or lump over the vulva. This is usually over the labia or near it.
  • There may be pain and discomfort in the vulva especially on urination or during sexual intercourse.
  • There are raised, reddish or whitish or even blackened skin patches.
  • There may be bleeding or blood stained discharge from the vulva or vagina. This is usually unrelated to menstrual periods.
  • There may be a mole or wart over the vulva that has recently changed in shape, size or color.
  • Some women may develop lesions with ulcers over the vulva. This is an open sore that persists for more than a month.
  • If the lesion is advanced and spreading it may affect the nearest lymph nodes of the groin. These lymph nodes may appear swollen and rubbery.

Spreading of vulvar cancer

Spread may occur to the vagina, urethra and anal canal as well. This called local spread.

If the cancer has spread to the urinary tract there may be difficulty in urinating. If the cancer has spread to the anal canal there may be problems with bowel motions etc.

Around 5% cases show a more distant spread. This may involve major organs like lungs, liver and brain. The consequences are usually life threatening.

Spread to the liver manifests as jaundice and that to the lungs as fluid collection around the lungs and breathlessness. The cancer can also spread to bones causing bone pain and easy fractures.

Symptoms of Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is the precancerous condition that in 80% cases may lead to vulvar cancer.

Symptoms of this condition include itching and soreness, burning or tingling feeling over the affected area.

There are areas of redness and whitish patches that are raised and warty in feel and appearance. In many cases there may be no symptoms at all.

History of conditions prior to Vulvar cancer

There may be a history of Human Papilloma virus infection (HPV infection) or a noncancerous skin condition like lichen sclerosus.

Symptoms of specific cancers

  • Verrucous carcinoma - This is a subtype of cancer that appears as cauliflower-like growths similar to herpes infected genital warts.
  • Vulvar melanoma - This commonly affects the cells that produce the pigment melanin producing cells of the vulvar skin. This appears as a darkly colored growth or a change in a mole. The mole is characteristically detected by the ABCD rule. A is for asymmetry, B is for irregular Borders, C is for abnormal color change. Moles are usually brown or tan or black. Changes in color are a warning sign. D is for Diameter. An affected mole usually changes in its size as well.
  • Bartholin gland cancer - This usually shows up as a lump on either side of the vaginal opening.

Further Reading

Last Updated: May 27, 2023

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Written by

Dr. Ananya Mandal

Dr. Ananya Mandal is a doctor by profession, lecturer by vocation and a medical writer by passion. She specialized in Clinical Pharmacology after her bachelor's (MBBS). For her, health communication is not just writing complicated reviews for professionals but making medical knowledge understandable and available to the general public as well.

Citations

Please use one of the following formats to cite this article in your essay, paper or report:

  • APA

    Mandal, Ananya. (2023, May 27). Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer. News-Medical. Retrieved on October 31, 2024 from https://www.news-medical.net/health/Symptoms-of-Vulvar-Cancer.aspx.

  • MLA

    Mandal, Ananya. "Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer". News-Medical. 31 October 2024. <https://www.news-medical.net/health/Symptoms-of-Vulvar-Cancer.aspx>.

  • Chicago

    Mandal, Ananya. "Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer". News-Medical. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Symptoms-of-Vulvar-Cancer.aspx. (accessed October 31, 2024).

  • Harvard

    Mandal, Ananya. 2023. Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer. News-Medical, viewed 31 October 2024, https://www.news-medical.net/health/Symptoms-of-Vulvar-Cancer.aspx.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.