Vulval cancer

Every patient has access to a gynaecology cancer nurse specialist team from the time of diagnosis. There are many teams around Yorkshire. You will be given the names and contact details of the nurse specialists in your area.

Signs and symptoms

The most common symptoms of vulval cancer are:

Itching, burning or soreness of the vulva that doesn’t go away
A lump, swelling or wart-like growth on the vulva
Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva
Bleeding, or a blood-stained vaginal discharge, not related to menstruation (periods)
Burning pain when passing urine
Tenderness or pain in the area of the vulva
A sore or ulcerated area on the vulva
A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour.

All of these symptoms can happen with conditions other than cancer, but it’s always important to get your doctor to check them.

Vulval cancer can take many years to develop. It usually starts with pre-cancerous cells that change slowly over several years into cancerous cells. As with other cancers, it’s easier to treat and cure if it’s diagnosed at an early stage.

Diagnostic tests

Investigations that may be recommended to obtain a diagnosis can include:

A pelvic examination in the clinic
Blood tests
CT scan
MRI scan
PET Scan
Ultrasound scan – this is a procedure which involves examining a part of the body with an ultrasound machine
Ultrasound scan with a biopsy – this is a procedure which involves examining a part of the body with an ultrasound machine and a biopsy is required a needle is inserted through the skin to take away a small amount of tissue
Hysteroscopy
Colposcopy – this is a procedure to find out whether there are abnormal cells on the cervix (neck of the womb). It is usually carried out if there has been an abnormal smear. A microscope (colposcope) with a strong light is used to look at the cervix. The colposcope doesn’t enter the vagina and remains outside the body. Different liquids are dabbed onto the cervix to help identify any areas of abnormal cells. If an abnormal area is found then a small sample of tissue (biopsy) will be taken from the surface of the cervix. A biopsy is about the size of a pinhead. It can cause slight stinging and it should not be painful. The procedure is usually carried out in the out-patient department, while you are awake
Examination Under Anaesthetic (EUA) – this is a day case operation where examination of the vagina, cervix and occasionally the bladder are carried out under a general anaesthetic. Biopsies may be taken from these areas.

Once the diagnosis is known patients are seen in clinic by a gynaecology cancer specialist to provide information about the type of gynaecological cancer and potential treatment plan.