Vulvar Cancer

What is vulvar cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms on the outer part of a woman's genitals, known as the vulva. 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.

The cancer usually develops slowly over several years, with abnormal cells growing on the surface of the vulvar skin - a precancerous condition called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or dysplasia. It is possible for VIN or dysplasia to turn into cancer, therefore early treatment is critical.

Types of vulvar cancer

The majority of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, or cancer that begins in squamous cells, the main type of skin cells found on the surface of the skin.
Other rare types of vulvar cancers include:

  • Adenocarcinoma - cancer that begins in gland cells
  • Melanoma - cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells that give skin color
  • Sarcoma - cancer that begins in the cells of connective tissue
  • Basal cell carcinoma - cancer that begins from a deeper layer of the skin, below the squamous layer

What causes vulvar cancer?

While the cause of vulvar cancer is not yet known, factors that may increase a woman's risk include:

What are the symptoms of vulvar cancer?

Often there are no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. If symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • A lump in the vulva
  • Vulvar itching that doesn't go away
  • Vulvar pain or tenderness
  • Bleeding that is not your period
  • Skin changes, such as color changes or thickening
  • A lump, wart-like bumps or an open sore (ulcer)

How is vulvar cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include:

  • A thorough medical history and physical exam
  • Pelvic exam, including vulvar and groin exam to check for lumps or anything else unusual
  • Biopsy - removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope, to look for cancerous or precancerous cells

Additional testing

If the diagnosis is vulvar cancer, more tests may be run to determine the extent or "stage" of the disease - how far the cancer cells have spread and the best treatment strategy.

These tests may include:

  • Cystoscopy - to determine if the cancer has spread to the bladder
  • Proctoscopy - to determine if the cancer has spread to the rectum
  • Examination of the pelvis under anesthesia
  • Imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), and PET scans (positron emission tomography)

How is vulvar cancer treated?

Treatment depends on the individual patient and their cancer, but may include one or more of the following:

  • Laser therapy - uses a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) to kill pre-cancer cells
  • Surgery - to remove or destroy the cancerous tissue
  • Radiation - uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy - uses drugs, typically given intravenously (through a vein), to stop the growth of cancer cells

Make an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) physician specializing in vulvar cancer, call the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at BCM, part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, at 832-826-7500.

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