Vulvar Cancer

What are the signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer?

Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include:

• Itching, burning, or bleeding on the vulva that does not go away.
  Color changes on the skin of the vulva, where it is redder or whiter than normal for you.
• Skin changes on the vulva, including what looks like a rash or warts.
• Sores, new lumps, or ulcers on the vulva that do not go away.
• Pain in your pelvis, especially when you urinate or have sex.

If you have any of these signs for two weeks or longer and they are not normal for you, see a doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.

Download the gynecologic cancer symptoms diary

What raises a woman’s chance of getting vulvar cancer?

There is no way to know who will get vulvar cancer. However, the following factors may increase the chance you will get it:

• Having HPV.
• Having a history of abnormal Pap test results showing abnormal cervical cells or having had cervical cancer.
• Having HIV or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
• Being aged 50 years or older.
• Having chronic vulvar itching or burning.
• Smoking.

If one or more of these is true for you, it does not mean you will get vulvar cancer, but talk to a doctor about whether you need more frequent exams.

How can I help prevent or lower my chance of getting vulvar cancer?

You can lower your chance of developing vulvar cancer by:

• Getting the HPV vaccine, if you are in the age group for which it is recommended. The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
• Limiting your number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of getting HPV.
• Not smoking. Smoking harms all of your body’s cells, including your vulvar cells. If you smoke and have HPV, you have a higher chance of getting vulvar cancer. If you smoke, ask a doctor for help quitting.

Are there ways to find vulvar cancer early?

The best ways to find vulvar cancer early are to get regular checkups and to see a doctor if you have signs or symptoms of vulvar cancer for two weeks or longer. The Pap test does not screen for vulvar cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. A doctor may perform a physical examination to look for skin changes or perform a biopsy to help diagnose vulvar cancer. If you have had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, you may be at a higher risk of getting other HPV-associated cancers, like vulvar cancer. Your doctor may recommend more followup tests or visits to check for vulvar cancer.