Vulvar Cancer Johns Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 Updates Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses Testing Patient Care Visitor Guidelines Coronavirus Email Alerts Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. CloseSearch Submit Search Popular Searches coronavirus careers medical records map insurance accepted telemedicine Menu Health Vulvar Cancer Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page What You Need to Know Vulvar cancer is very rare, accounting for 0.6 percent of all cancers in women. In the U.S., close to 5,000 women are diagnosed with vulvar cancer each year. The HPV vaccine can prevent the strains of HPV responsible for most cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Risk factors that may increase a woman's chances of developing vulvar cancer include age, infection with certain types of HPV, smoking and HIV infection. Symptoms of vulvar cancer include severe itching, burning and pain on the vulva. What is the vulva The vulva is the external portion of the female genital organs. It includes: Labia majora: two large, fleshy lips, or folds, of skin. Labia minora: small lips just inside the labia majora surrounding the openings to the urethra and vagina. Vestibule: space where the vagina opens Prepuce: a fold of skin formed by the labia minora that covers the clitoris Clitoris: a small protrusion of nerve tissue sensitive to stimulation Fourchette: area beneath the vaginal opening where the labia minora meet Perineum: area between the vagina and the anus Anus: opening at the end of the anal canal Urethra: connecting tube to the bladder Obesity and Cancer Risk Did you know that up to one-third of cancer deaths in women are attributed to excess body weight? Director of Gynecologic Oncology Amanda Fader and oncology dietitian Mary-Eve Brown discuss the correlation between the two. Learn what you can do to reduce your risk. Read more What is vulvar cancer Vulvar cancer can occur on any part of the external organs but most often affects the labia majora or labia minora. Cancer of the vulva is a rare disease, accounting for 0.6 percent of all cancers in women, and it may form slowly over many years. Most vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Melanoma is another common type of vulvar cancer that is usually found in the labia minora or clitoris. Other types of vulvar cancer include: Adenocarcinoma Paget disease Sarcomas Basal cell carcinoma Vulvar Cancer Prevention The cause of vulvar cancer is not known at this time. However, certain risk factors are thought to contribute to development of the disease. Suggestions for prevention include: Avoiding known risk factors when possible Delaying onset of sexual activity Using condoms Not smoking Having regular physical checkups Getting vaccinated against HPV Having routine Pap tests and pelvic exams Routinely checking entire body for irregular growth of moles and checking your vulva regularly for any signs of vulvar cancer The HPV vaccine can prevent the strains of HPV responsible for most cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers. HPV vaccines can only be used to prevent certain types of HPV. They cannot be used to treat an existing HPV infection. To be most effective, one of the vaccines should be given before a person becomes sexually active. Genetic Testing Aids Early Detection Johns Hopkins researchers are hard at work developing new detection methods for gynecologic cancers. Learn more and discover how genetic testing for these cancers is saving lives. Read more Vulvar Cancer Risk Factors The following factors may increase a woman's risk of developing vulvar cancer: Age: Of the women who develop vulvar cancer, over 80 percent are over 50, and half are over 70. Infection with certain types of HPV HIV infection Lichen sclerosus: This can cause the vulvar skin to become very itchy and may slightly increase the possibility of vulvar cancer. Melanoma or atypical moles on nonvulvar skin: A family history of melanoma and dysplastic nevi anywhere on the body may increase the risk of vulvar cancer. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN): VIN occurs when there are abnormal cells on the surface layer of vulvar skin. These cell changes are a precancerous condition, so there is an increased risk for vulvar cancer in women with VIN, although most cases do not progress to cancer. Other genital cancers Smoking Vulvar Cancer Symptoms While each woman may experience symptoms differently, the most common symptoms are: Constant itching Changes in the color and the way the vulva looks Bleeding or discharge not related to menstruation Severe burning, itching or pain An open sore that lasts for more than a month Skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough The symptoms of vulvar cancer may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis. Vulvar Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Vulvar cancer is diagnosed by biopsy, removing a small piece of tissue for exam in a lab by a pathologist. Treatment for Vulvar Cancer Specific treatment for vulvar cancer will be determined by your doctor(s) based on: Your overall health and medical history Extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Treatment for cancer of the vulva may include: Surgery: Laser surgery: This surgery uses a powerful beam of light to destroy abnormal cells. The beam can be directed to specific parts of the body without making a large incision (cut). This type of therapy is only used for premalignant (noninvasive) disease of the vulva. Excision: The cancer cells and a margin of normal tissue around the cancer are removed. Vulvectomy: All tissues of the vulvar are surgically removed. The extent of the tissue removed is based on the size and location of the lesion. Radiation therapy: X-rays, gamma rays and charged particles are used to fight cancer. Chemotherapy: Anticancer drugs are used to treat cancerous cells. It's very important that your particular findings be put into context by an expert. Gynecologic oncologists are subspecialists with advanced training in the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of female cancers, including vulvar cancer. Find a Doctor Specializing In: Ovarian Cancer Gynecologic Cancers At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Find a Treatment Center Kelly Gynecologic Oncology Service Find Additional Treatment Centers at: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Related Vaginal Cancer Gynecologic Cancer Awareness: Infographic Gynecologic Cancer Surgery and Doctors at Sibley Memorial Hospital Gynecologic Oncology: Patient Stories Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Doctor See More Related Gynecological Cancers Vaginal Cancer Gynecological Cancers Gynecologic Cancer Awareness: Infographic Gynecological Cancers Gynecologic Cancer Surgery and Doctors at Sibley Memorial Hospital Related Topics