Navigating Vulvar Cancer: From Symptoms and Causes to Treatments

What is Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs when cells in the vulva start to grow out of control. It starts in the tissues of the vulva, which is a female’s external genitalia.² It includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, called the labia, among other parts of the genitalia.^2,3
 
In most cases, vulvar cancer affects the outer vaginal lips, which is the labia majora^2,3. Less often, cancer affects the inner vaginal lips, clitoris, or vaginal glands.²

Vulvar Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

Certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing vulvar cancer. Let’s discuss some of these risk factors in detail.

1. HPV infection: Being infected with HPV is one of the risk factors for vulvar cancer.³
2. Age:³ Demographically, most of those affected by vulvar cancer are older women over the age of 50. The condition is rare in women under 50 who have not yet gone through menopause.⁵
3. Other factors such as:³
   • HIV infection
   • Smoking
   • Other genital cancers

What are Some Vulvar Cancer Signs and Symptoms?

Some of the signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer may include:⁵

1. Persistent itching
2. Pain, tenderness or a sore feeling
3. Vulvar lumps or warts
4. Bleeding or blood-stained discharge
5. Open sores
6. Burning pain while urinating

If you notice any of these vulvar cancer symptoms, it is advisable to consult your doctor immediately. However, changes in your vulvar do not necessarily indicate cancer, it is best to consult a doctor for a definite vulvar cancer diagnosis.⁵

What’s the Latest in Vulvar Cancer Treatment?

Vulvar cancer treatment methods depend on what stage the cancer has progressed to, such as whether it is early-stage vulvar cancer, as well as your previous medical history and overall health.³ Taking these factors into consideration, your doctor may recommend the following vulvar cancer treatment methods:

1. Surgery: Different types of surgery are possible, which aim at removing the abnormal cancer cells.³
2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.²
3. Chemotherapy: This vulvar cancer treatment uses drugs to stop the cancer cells from spreading. It may also be applied topically as cream or lotion.²

There are other forms of treatment available, which can be discussed with your doctor to suit your personal needs.

Vulvar Cancer Prevention

It is possible to reduce your risk of vulvar cancer by taking certain preventive measures. These include:

1. HPV Vaccine: HPV vaccination may help reduce your risk of developing vulvar cancer, as well as certain other HPV-related cancers.^5,6 It is recommended in adolescence, starting from the age of 9⁶
2. Safe Sex: Safe sex practices such as using condoms may help reduce the chances of HPV infection.⁵
3. Regular screenings: Cervical screening can help detect HPV and vulvar precancers.
4. Say no to smoking: Since smoking is one of the risk factors of vulvar cancer, abstaining from smoking can contribute toward vulvar cancer prevention.

You now know your way around vulvar cancer symptoms, causes and treatment methods.

The link between vulvar cancer and HPV should not be ignored. HPV vaccination is an important step that can be taken to help reduce the risk of vulvar cancer, as well as certain other HPV-related cancers such as cervical and vaginal cancer.⁷

Learning about HPV infection can help you stay informed on its risk factors, as well as spread awareness about the infection. This awareness can go a long way in the fight against HPV and its related cancers.

Disclaimer: HPV – Human Papillomavirus. This information is intended for awareness purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor.

*Image for representation purpose only

IN-HPV-00563 – 5/3/2024 – 13/2/2026