Signs and Symptoms 

Vulvar cancer forms  in the vulva, the area around  the external genital organs on a woman. The vulva includes the following parts: 

• Labia -- The lips around  the opening of the vagina 
• Clitoris -- A small mass  of tissue at the opening of the vagina 
• Bartholin's Glands--  The small mucus-producing glands on either side  of the vaginal opening 

In most cases,  cancer of the vulva affects  the labia. Less often, cancer occurs on  the clitoris  or in Bartholin's glands. Over 90 percent of vulvar cancers are considered  a type  of skin cancer because they begin in  the squamous cells,  the main cell type  of the skin. They usually develop slowly over many years and in their earliest form  are not cancerous. 

Vulvar cancer is relatively rare, and typically affects Caucasian women  over the age of 60, although  the condition can occur in younger women  and those  of all ethnicities. Other risk factors for the condition include: 

• Smoking
• Taking steroids or other drugs that weaken the immune system 
• Genital warts caused by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV)

In  most cases, vulvar cancer causes early symptoms. Therefore, if you experience any  of the symptoms  of the condition, you should visit your doctor immediately. Common symptoms of vulvar cancer may include: 

• Vulvar itching that lasts more than one month 
• A cut or sore on the vulva that won't heal 
• A lump or  mass on the vulva 
• Unexplained vulvar pain 
• Bleeding from  the vulva that  is different from your usual monthly bleeding 
• Burning in the  area that lasts even after your doctor has treated  the burning
• Any change in size, color or texture  of a birthmark or mole in the  vulvar area 

Notes: http://www.ucsfhealth.org/adult/medical_services/cancer/pelvic/conditions/vulvar/signs.html

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EditText of this page (last edited August 22, 2009)