Vulvar Cancer – Symptoms and Causes

What Is Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer develops when cells in the vulva grow abnormally. The vulva is the external genital area surrounding the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia.

This cancer typically appears as a lump or sore on the vulva and often causes itching. While vulvar cancer can affect women of any age, it most commonly occurs in older adults.

Treatment usually begins with surgery to remove the cancer and a small margin of healthy tissue. In some cases, removing the entire vulva may be necessary.

Signs to watch for:

• Unusual lumps or sores
• Persistent itching
• Changes in vulvar skin color or texture

Signs and Symptoms

Vulvar cancer can show up in several ways.

You might notice a lump or open sore on the vulva that doesn’t heal. Unusual bleeding from your genital area (when you’re not having your period) can be another warning sign.

Many people experience persistent itching of the vulvar skin that doesn’t go away with typical treatments. Pain or tenderness in the vulva is also common.

Watch for skin changes too. The vulvar skin might change color, become thicker, or develop different textures than normal.

When You Should Consult a Doctor

If you notice any concerning symptoms in your vulvar area, don’t wait to get help.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor, gynecologist, or healthcare provider right away. Early detection is important for effective treatment.

What Causes Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer starts when cells in the vulva change and grow out of control. The vulva is the skin area that surrounds the urethra and vagina.

Scientists don’t always know exactly what causes vulvar cancer. When cells develop DNA changes, they receive different instructions. Normal cells grow, divide, and die according to specific patterns.

Cancer cells grow quickly and don’t die when they should. This leads to too many cells that can form tumors and spread to other body parts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection plays a role in many vulvar cancer cases. This common virus spreads through sexual contact and is linked to vulvar squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type.

Types of Vulvar Cancer

Different types of vulvar cancer exist based on the cells where the cancer begins. Knowing the type helps doctors create the best treatment plan.

Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Most common type of vulvar cancer
• Begins in flat, thin cells called squamous cells
• Strongly linked to HPV infection
• Can develop on any part of the vulvar skin

Vulvar Melanoma

• Starts in melanocytes (cells that give skin its color)
• Less common than squamous cell carcinoma
• Can occur anywhere on the vulva
• Often appears as a dark, changing spot or growth

Extramammary Paget’s Disease

• Rare cancer that affects sweat glands in vulvar skin
• Often appears as a red, scaly rash
• May occur alongside other cancers of the:
  • Breast
  • Colon
  • Urinary system
  • Reproductive organs

Each type requires specific treatment approaches. Doctors examine cancer cells under a microscope to determine the exact type, which helps guide treatment decisions.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s chances of developing vulvar cancer:

• Age: Vulvar cancer risk increases with age. Most cases are found in people around 65 years old, though it can occur at any age.
• HPV exposure: Human papillomavirus spreads through sexual contact and raises the risk of vulvar cancer. Many sexually active people encounter HPV, but most infections clear without treatment. In some cases, HPV causes cell changes that may lead to cancer.
• Tobacco use: Smoking significantly increases vulvar cancer risk.
• Weakened immune system: People with compromised immune systems face higher vulvar cancer risk. This includes:
  • Organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive medications
  • People with HIV infection
  • Those with other conditions affecting immune function
• Precancerous conditions: Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia increases cancer risk. While most cases never progress to cancer, some eventually develop into invasive vulvar cancer.
• Skin conditions: Lichen sclerosus, which causes thin, itchy vulvar skin, is linked to higher vulvar cancer risk.

Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed, while others cannot. People with multiple risk factors should discuss screening options with their healthcare provider.

Ways to Prevent Vulvar Cancer

Avoid Tobacco Products

Tobacco use raises your risk of getting vulvar cancer. If you don’t use tobacco products, it’s best not to start.

People who already smoke should speak with their doctor about quitting options. Healthcare providers can suggest helpful resources like:

• Prescription medications
• Nicotine replacement products
• Support groups
• Counseling services

Quitting tobacco is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your health.

Reduce HPV Infection Risk

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to the most common type of vulvar cancer. This virus spreads through sexual contact.

You can lower your chances of getting HPV by:

Using protection during sex. Condoms provide some protection against HPV, but they can’t completely prevent infection. This is because the virus can affect areas not covered by condoms.

Getting vaccinated. The HPV vaccine protects against the strains most often linked to vulvar cancer.

Talk with your healthcare provider to find out if the vaccine is right for you based on your age and health history.