Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms of Vulvar Cancer include:
When to see a doctor
If you experience severe or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Causes & Risk Factors
Several factors can contribute to Vulvar Cancer.
Vulvar cancer develops when normal cells in the vulvar tissue undergo genetic mutations that cause them to grow uncontrollably.
Vulvar cancer develops when normal cells in the vulvar tissue undergo genetic mutations that cause them to grow uncontrollably. These DNA changes transform healthy cells into cancer cells that multiply rapidly and can spread to nearby tissues. While doctors understand this basic mechanism, the exact triggers for these genetic changes often remain unclear.
Two main pathways lead to vulvar cancer development.
Two main pathways lead to vulvar cancer development. The first involves chronic infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18. HPV-related vulvar cancers tend to occur in younger women and often develop from precancerous conditions called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). The second pathway typically affects older women and may be linked to chronic inflammatory conditions like lichen sclerosus, which causes long-term irritation and scarring of vulvar tissues.
Other factors may contribute to cellular damage over time, including smoking, which reduces the body's ability to fight HPV infections and may directly damage cellular DNA.
Other factors may contribute to cellular damage over time, including smoking, which reduces the body's ability to fight HPV infections and may directly damage cellular DNA. Immune system suppression, whether from medications or conditions like HIV, can also impair the body's natural ability to eliminate abnormal cells before they become cancerous. Age itself plays a role, as the longer cells are exposed to potential carcinogens and the more cell divisions occur over time, the higher the likelihood of cancer-causing mutations developing.
Risk Factors
- Age over 60 years
- Infection with high-risk HPV types, especially 16 and 18
- History of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
- Lichen sclerosus or other chronic vulvar conditions
- Smoking cigarettes
- Weakened immune system from HIV or immunosuppressive drugs
- Previous history of cervical or vaginal cancer
- Multiple sexual partners or early age at first intercourse
Diagnosis
How healthcare professionals diagnose Vulvar Cancer:
- 1
Diagnosing vulvar cancer typically begins when a woman notices concerning symptoms or when a healthcare provider identifies suspicious changes during a routine pelvic exam.
Diagnosing vulvar cancer typically begins when a woman notices concerning symptoms or when a healthcare provider identifies suspicious changes during a routine pelvic exam. The doctor will first take a detailed medical history, asking about symptoms, their duration, and any risk factors. A thorough physical examination follows, including careful inspection of the entire vulvar area using good lighting and sometimes magnification to identify any abnormal areas.
- 2
If suspicious lesions are found, the next step usually involves a vulvar biopsy.
If suspicious lesions are found, the next step usually involves a vulvar biopsy. This procedure can often be performed in the office using local anesthesia. The doctor removes a small sample of tissue from the abnormal area for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. Sometimes multiple biopsies are needed if several areas appear concerning. The biopsy results will determine whether cancer is present and, if so, what type and how aggressive it appears.
- 3
Once vulvar cancer is confirmed, additional tests help determine the extent or stage of the disease.
Once vulvar cancer is confirmed, additional tests help determine the extent or stage of the disease. These may include imaging studies like CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to check for spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. In some cases, doctors may recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy, a procedure that identifies and tests the first lymph nodes that cancer would likely reach if it spreads. Blood tests may also be ordered to assess overall health before treatment planning begins.
Complications
- Early-stage vulvar cancer often has an excellent prognosis, with five-year survival rates exceeding 85% when the cancer hasn't spread beyond the vulva.
- However, complications can arise from both the cancer itself and its treatment.
- Advanced vulvar cancer may spread to nearby lymph nodes, adjacent organs like the bladder or rectum, or rarely to distant sites.
- Local spread can cause pain, difficulty with urination or bowel movements, and significant impact on quality of life.
- Treatment complications vary depending on the extent of surgery and other therapies used.
- Surgical complications may include wound healing problems, infection, chronic pain, or lymphedema (swelling) if lymph nodes are removed.
- Changes in sensation, appearance, and sexual function are common concerns after vulvar surgery.
- Radiation therapy can cause skin irritation, scarring, and long-term changes to tissue elasticity that may affect sexual comfort.
- Some women experience psychological impacts including anxiety, depression, or concerns about body image and intimacy.
- However, with proper support and rehabilitation, many women adapt well to these changes and maintain satisfying relationships and quality of life.
Prevention
- Preventing vulvar cancer focuses primarily on reducing exposure to known risk factors, particularly HPV infection.
- HPV vaccination provides highly effective protection against the virus types most commonly associated with vulvar cancer.
- The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to HPV, typically recommended for preteens and young adults, but can benefit women up to age 45 who haven't been previously infected.
- Practicing safer sex can reduce HPV transmission risk.
- This includes limiting the number of sexual partners, using condoms consistently (though they don't provide complete protection against HPV since the virus can infect areas not covered by condoms), and avoiding sexual contact with partners who have visible genital warts or other signs of infection.
- Regular gynecologic exams allow healthcare providers to detect precancerous changes early, when treatment is most effective and less invasive.
- Lifestyle modifications can also help reduce risk.
- Quitting smoking improves the immune system's ability to fight HPV infections and reduces direct cellular damage.
- Managing chronic vulvar conditions like lichen sclerosus with appropriate medical treatment may help prevent the progression to cancer.
- Maintaining good genital hygiene, wearing breathable cotton underwear, and avoiding harsh soaps or douches can help maintain healthy vulvar tissue and reduce chronic irritation that might contribute to cellular changes over time.
Treatment for vulvar cancer depends on several factors including the cancer's size, location, stage, and the patient's overall health.
Treatment for vulvar cancer depends on several factors including the cancer's size, location, stage, and the patient's overall health. Surgery remains the primary treatment for most vulvar cancers, with the goal of removing all cancer while preserving as much normal tissue and function as possible. For small, early-stage cancers, a wide local excision may be sufficient, removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue around it.
For larger or more advanced cancers, more extensive surgery may be necessary.
For larger or more advanced cancers, more extensive surgery may be necessary. This might include partial or complete vulvectomy, where part or all of the vulva is removed. If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, lymph node dissection may be required. Modern surgical techniques focus on removing adequate tissue for cure while minimizing impact on appearance and sexual function. Reconstructive surgery can often help restore form and function after more extensive procedures.
Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery, particularly for larger tumors or when surgery isn't possible due to the tumor's location or the patient's health status.
Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with surgery, particularly for larger tumors or when surgery isn't possible due to the tumor's location or the patient's health status. External beam radiation targets the cancer from outside the body, while some patients may receive internal radiation. Chemotherapy is less commonly used for vulvar cancer but may be recommended for advanced cases or when cancer has spread to distant sites. Drugs like cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, or mitomycin may be used.
Recent advances include targeted therapies and immunotherapies that show promise for certain types of vulvar cancer, particularly those related to HPV infection.
Recent advances include targeted therapies and immunotherapies that show promise for certain types of vulvar cancer, particularly those related to HPV infection. Clinical trials continue to explore new treatment combinations and approaches. The treatment team typically includes gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, and other specialists working together to develop the best individualized treatment plan for each patient.
Living With Vulvar Cancer
Living with vulvar cancer involves both managing the physical aspects of the disease and treatment while addressing emotional and practical concerns. Many women find that connecting with support groups, either in person or online, provides valuable emotional support and practical advice from others who understand their experience. Healthcare teams often include social workers, counselors, or patient navigators who can help coordinate care and provide resources for coping with the diagnosis.
Latest Medical Developments
Latest medical developments are being researched.
Frequently Asked Questions
Update History
Apr 9, 2026v1.0.0
- Published by DiseaseDirectory