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    1. Home
    2. Health and wellbeing
    3. Illnesses and conditions
    4. A to Z

    Vulval cancer

    Cancer of the vulva is a rare type of cancer that affects women. See your GP if you notice any changes in the usual appearance of your vulva. While it's unlikely to be the result of cancer, these changes should be investigated.

    About vulval cancer

    The vulva is a woman's external genitals.

    It includes:

    • the lips surrounding the vagina (labia minora and labia majora)
    •  the clitoris (sexual organ that helps women reach sexual climax)
    • the Bartholin's glands (two small glands each side of the vagina)

    Most of those affected by vulval cancer are older women over the age of 65. The condition is rare in women under the age of 50, who have not yet gone through the menopause.

    Symptoms of vulval cancer

    Symptoms of vulval cancer can include:

    • a persistent itch in the vulva
    • pain, soreness or tenderness in the vulva
    • raised and thickened patches of skin that can be red, white or dark
    • a lump or wart-like growth on the vulva
    • bleeding from the vulva or blood-stained vaginal discharge between periods
    • an open sore in the vulva
    • a burning pain when passing urine
    • a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour

    When to see your GP

    You should see your GP if you have any symptoms, or notice any changes in the usual appearance of your vulva.

    While it's unlikely to be the result of cancer, these changes should be investigated.

    Causes of vulval cancer

    The exact cause of vulval cancer is unclear.

    Your risk of developing the condition is increased by:

    • increasing age
    • vulval intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) – where the cells in the vulva are abnormal and at risk of turning cancerous
    • persistent infection with certain versions of the human papilloma virus (HPV)
    • skin conditions affecting the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus
    • smoking

    You may be able to reduce your risk of vulval cancer by:

    • stopping smoking
    • taking steps to reduce the chances of picking up an HPV infection

    Treatment for vulval cancer

    If you are diagnosed with vulval cancer, the health professional looking after your care will discuss treatment options with you.

    The main treatment is surgery to remove the cancerous tissue from the vulva and any lymph nodes containing cancerous cells.

    Some people may also have:

    • Radiotherapy - radiation is used to destroy cancer cells
    • Chemotherapy - medication is used to kill cancer cells
    • radiotherapy and chemotherapy

    Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used without surgery if you're not well enough to have an operation, or if the cancer has spread and it isn't possible to remove it all.

    Preventing vulval cancer

    It's not thought to be possible to prevent vulval cancer completely. But you may be able to reduce your risk by:

    • practising safer sex – using a condom during sex can offer some protection against HPV
    • going to cervical screening appointments – cervical screening can detect HPV and pre-cancerous conditions such as VIN
    • stopping smoking

    The HPV vaccination may also reduce your chances of developing vulval cancer.

    This is now offered to girls in Northern Ireland who are 12 to 13 years old.

    Outlook

    The outlook for vulval cancer depends on things such as:

    • how far the cancer has spread
    • your age
    • your general health

    Generally, the earlier the cancer is detected and the younger you are, the better the chances of treatment being successful.

    Even after successful treatment, the cancer can come back. You'll need regular follow-up appointments, so your doctor can check if this is happening.

    • Vulval cancer

    More useful links

    • Northern Ireland Cancer Network
    • Action Cancer
    • Marie Curie
    • Cancer Focus Northern Ireland
    • Macmillan Cancer Support
    • Cancer Research UK

    The information on this page has been adapted from original content from the NHS website.

    For further information see terms and conditions.

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