Key Points for This Section

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva. HPV infection and older age can affect the risk of developing vulvar cancer. Possible signs of vulvar cancer include bleeding or itching. Tests that examine the vulva are used to detect (find) and diagnose vulvar cancer. Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.

Vulvar cancer forms in a woman's external genitalia. The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips), and the opening of the vagina and its glands.

Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer vaginal lips. Less often, cancer affects the inner vaginal lips or the clitoris.

Vulvar cancer usually develops slowly over a period of years. Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time. This precancerous condition is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or dysplasia. Because it is possible for VIN or dysplasia to develop into vulvar cancer, treatment of this condition is very important.

HPV infection and older age can affect the risk of developing vulvar cancer.

Risk factors include the following:

• Having human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Older age.

Possible signs of vulvar cancer include bleeding or itching.

Vulvar cancer often does not cause early symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may be caused by vulvar cancer or by other conditions. A doctor should be consulted if any of the following problems occur:

• A lump in the vulva.
• Itching that does not go away in the vulvar area.
• Bleeding not related to menstruation (periods).
• Tenderness in the vulvar area.

Tests that examine the vulva are used to detect (find) and diagnose vulvar cancer.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

• Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking the vulva for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
• Biopsy: The removal of cells or tissues from the vulva so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer.

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer.
• The patient's age and general health.
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).

Glossary Terms

Not normal. An abnormal lesion or growth may be cancer, premalignant (likely to become cancer), or benign (not cancer).

The removal of cells or tissues for examination by a pathologist. The pathologist may study the tissue under a microscope or perform other tests on the cells or tissue. There are many different types of biopsy procedures. The most common types include: (1) incisional biopsy, in which only a sample of tissue is removed; (2) excisional biopsy, in which an entire lump or suspicious area is removed; and (3) needle biopsy, in which a sample of tissue or fluid is removed with a needle. When a wide needle is used, the procedure is called a core biopsy. When a thin needle is used, the procedure is called a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

An organ that makes one or more substances, such as hormones, digestive juices, sweat, tears, saliva, or milk. Endocrine glands release the substances directly into the bloodstream. Exocrine glands release the substances into a duct or opening to the inside or outside of the body.

A type of virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, warts) and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with certain types of human papillomavirus may cause cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus may also play a role in some other types of cancer. Also called HPV.

Invasion and multiplication of germs in the body. Infections can occur in any part of the body and can spread throughout the body. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, or fungi. They can cause a fever and other problems, depending on where the infection occurs. When the body’s natural defense system is strong, it can often fight the germs and prevent infection. Some cancer treatments can weaken the natural defense system.

Within the layer of cells that form the surface or lining of an organ.

Periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus. From puberty until menopause, menstruation occurs about every 28 days when a woman is not pregnant.

Abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth.

A doctor who identifies diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.

An exam of the body to check for general signs of disease.

A term used to describe a condition that may (or is likely to) become cancer. Also called premalignant.

The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.

To come back or to return.

Something that increases the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer are age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals, infection with certain viruses or bacteria, and certain genetic changes.

The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.

An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.

The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called birth canal.

Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).

The external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina.

Cancer of the vulva (the external female genital organs, including the clitoris, vaginal lips, and the opening to the vagina).