Vulvar cancer

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition

Cancer of the vulva, the outer part of the female genitalia, is rare. Vulvar cancer most often occurs in women between the ages of 55 and 85, although it can also occur in women who are younger than 40.

More than 90 percent of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas — a type of skin cancer — that develop slowly over years and are preceded by precancerous changes in the surface of your skin. A small percentage of vulvar cancers begin as melanoma. Rarely, vulvar cancers may develop in the mucus-producing glands located on the sides of the vaginal opening. The exact cause isn't known. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, may play a role.

Getting regular gynecologic exams may increase your chance of early detection of vulvar cancer, which means a better chance of successful treatment. You may also be able to prevent vulvar cancer by engaging in safe sexual practices to reduce your risk of contracting HPV infection, and you may be able to control other risk factors as well.

Symptoms