Vulvar Cancer

What is Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the outside part of the female genitals (vulva). Women most often get vulvar cancer on the inside of their labia.

What are the causes of Vulvar Cancer?

This condition may be caused by:

• A virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is passed from one person to another through sexual activity.
• A harmful change (mutation) in your DNA. Mutations in DNA that occur with vulvar cancer are usually not inherited. They can develop due to exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, like tobacco, or for unknown reasons.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

• You have HPV.
• You have a skin problem called lichen sclerosus.
• You had cervical cancer.
• You had a Pap test that was not normal.
• You have a weakened immune system.
• You have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
• You have AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
• You smoke.
• You are over the age of 55.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• A rash, sores, lumps, ulcers, or warts on the vulva.
• More of a red or white color to the vulva than usual.
• Pain, tenderness, or itchiness in the vulva.
• Pelvic pain when urinating or having sex.
• Vaginal bleeding.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed with tests. After the condition has been diagnosed, you may need to have more tests or checkups. You may be referred for treatment from a specialist in women’s reproductive health (gynecologist).

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition may include:

• Surgery to help remove cancer from your body.
• Radiation therapy inside or outside your body. This treatment uses X-rays to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy to keep cancer cells from growing. This treatment may be given through an IV tube, as a pill, or in a cream.
• Biologic therapy treatment to use the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Follow your care plan as directed by your health care team.
• Take good care of your overall health. A healthy lifestyle may help you recover more quickly.
• Follow the diet your health care provider recommends for you, and make healthy food choices to help keep your cancer from coming back.
• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider
• Get plenty of exercise. Exercising may help to lower stress levels and will give you more energy.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have new or unusual symptoms.
• You have symptoms that your health care provider has asked you to watch out for.
• You feel depressed or sad.

Get help right away if:

• You feel dizzy, light-headed, and like you could pass out.
• You have a fever or chills.
• You have bleeding that does not stop.

Summary

• Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the outside part of the female genitals (vulva).
• You may have surgery to help remove cancer from your body. Surgery may be combined with other treatments.
• Follow your care plan as directed by your health care team.
• Take good care of your overall health. A healthy lifestyle may help you recover more quickly.