A cancer that occurs on the outer surface of the female genitals. It causes persistent itching, bleeding, a lump, wart like bumps, pain and tenderness, and colour change or thickening of skin.

Symptoms

• Persistent itching
• Pain and tenderness
• Bleeding
• Skin colour changes and thickening
• A lump
• Ulcer
• Wart-like bumps

Causes

• The cause of vulvar cancer is not clear. It develops due to DNA mutations in cells, which grow and divide rapidly.
• The risk factors include:
• Age - risk increases with increase in age, average age of diagnosis is 65
• Exposure to human papillomavirus
• Smoking
• Weakened immune system
• History of precancerous conditions of the vulva
• Skin condition such as lichen sclerosus which involve the vulva

Prevention

• Limiting number of sexual partners
• Using condoms
• Getting an HPV vaccine

Screening Options available at JNCHRC

• Physical examination: To check for abnormalities.
• Colposcopy: Examination of the vulva using a magnifying device.
• Pelvic examination: Checks area of cancer spread.
• Imaging tests: If necessary, to check spread of cancer to other areas.

• Biopsy: Obtaining a tissue sample for testing.