Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer. It forms in a woman's external genitals, called the vulva. The cancer usually develops slowly over several years. First, precancerous cells grow on vulvar skin. This is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), or dysplasia. Not all VIN cases turn into cancer, but it is best to treat it early.

Often, vulvar cancer doesn't cause early symptoms. However, see your doctor for testing if you notice

• A lump in the vulva
• Vulvar itching or tenderness
• Bleeding that is not your period

Being older and having a human papillomavirus infection are risk factors for vulvar cancer. Treatment varies, depending on your overall health and how advanced the cancer is. It might include laser therapy, surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.