Vulval cancer affects the vulval area of the vagina, this includes the labia, urethra, birth canal, clitoris and lymph nodes in the groin. Cancer of the vulva is rare, with just over 1,300 women in the UK diagnosed with it each year. The most common area of the vulva where cancer develops is the labia, but it can occur in any part of the external female sex organs.
Types of vulval cancer
Common types of vulval cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma – affects the outer skin layers of the vulva. It accounts for 90% of all vulval cancers
- Melanoma – the second most common of vulval cancers, it develops from the pigment-producing cells that give your skin its colour
Rare types of vulval cancer:
- Basal cell carcinoma – develops in the basal cells that are in the deepest skin layer of the vulva
- Sarcoma – develops in the muscle tissue, blood or fat vessels
- Adenocarcinoma - develops from cells in the glands of the vulval
- Bartholin’s glands cancer – occurs in the glands at the opening of the vagina
Symptoms
Symptoms caused by vulval cancer can depend on where in the vulva it is situated and the rate at which it is growing. Some people may have vulva cancer symptoms, whereas others may not experience any.
Here are some common symptoms that may be experienced:
- Persistent itching, burning or soreness of the vulva (including during urination)
- A lump, swelling or wart-like growth
- Raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva
- Bleeding, or a blood-stained vaginal discharge (not related to periods)
- Tenderness or pain in the area of the vulva
- A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
- A lump in the groin
If you experience any of the above symptoms, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your GP.
Diagnosis
Your GP will discuss your symptoms and give you a thorough physical examination. Further tests to diagnose vulval cancer may include:
- A biopsy – where a sample of cells will be taken
- Blood tests
- Colposcopy using a microscope to check for abnormal cells
- CT or MRI scan
- Cystoscopy to examine the bladder
- Proctoscopy to examine the bladder
- X-ray