Vulval cancer

Cancer of the vulva is a rare type of cancer that affects women and anyone with a vulva.

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 reach sexual climax), and the Bartholin’s glands (2 small glands each side of the vagina).

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

Symptoms

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

Speak to your GP if you notice any changes in the usual appearance of your vulva. While it’s highly unlikely to be the result of cancer, these changes should be investigated.

Read more about diagnosing vulval cancer.