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Vulvar Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Women

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare, slow-growing cancer of the external genitals that often begins as precancerous cells known as vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN).

Overview

Vulvar cancer is a rare type of cancer. It forms in a woman's external genitals, called the vulva. The cancer usually grows 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.

Symptoms

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

  • A lump in the vulva
  • Vulvar itching or tenderness
  • Bleeding that is not your period
  • Changes in the vulvar skin, such as color changes or growths that look like a wart or ulcer

Risk Factors and Diagnosis

You are at greater risk if you've had a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or have a history of genital warts. Your health care provider diagnoses vulvar cancer with a physical exam and a biopsy.

Treatment

Treatment varies, depending on your overall health and how advanced the cancer is. It might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biologic therapy. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

The HPV vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing vulvar cancer by preventing infection with the high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus that cause most cases. While the vaccine is most effective when administered before sexual activity begins, it can still offer protection to adults who have not been exposed to all vaccine-covered strains. It is important to note that the vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections or reverse precancerous changes, so regular screening remains essential even for vaccinated individuals.
While many vulvar skin issues are benign, persistent symptoms that do not resolve with over-the-counter treatments are key warning signs. Look for a new lump, a sore that does not heal, or skin that changes color (becoming white, red, or dark). Chronic itching that is unresponsive to antifungal or steroid creams, or bleeding that is unrelated to your menstrual cycle, should prompt an immediate visit to a gynecologist for a biopsy to rule out malignancy.
Recovery time varies significantly based on the extent of the surgery, ranging from a few weeks for minor excisions to several months for radical vulvectomy. Patients often experience pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or sitting comfortably during the initial healing phase. Lymph node removal can lead to lymphedema (swelling in the legs), which may require long-term management with compression stockings and physical therapy. Most patients return to daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks, but full recovery and sexual function rehabilitation may take longer.
Yes, lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is associated with an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. Although the absolute risk remains low, the chronic inflammation and skin changes can make it harder to detect early cancerous changes. Women with lichen sclerosus should undergo regular gynecological exams and report any new lumps, ulcers, or areas of thickened skin immediately, as early detection improves treatment outcomes significantly.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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