Cancer involving the vulva (the external female genitals). Most cases (nearly 90 percent) are squamous cell carcinomas (a type of skin cancer); about 5 percent are melanoma (another type of skin cancer). The most common symptom of cancer of the vulva is persistent itching. Lumps may appear on the labia, the clitoris, or the perineum (the area between the anus and the vagina). Burning, pain, discharge, or bleeding may occur. If the cancer becomes invasive, a large mass may develop on the vulva or in the groin. When the cancer is a melanoma, it usually appears on the clitoris and the outer labia as brown, black, or blue-black lumps or patches.
Malignant tumors involving women’s external genitalia. Cancer of the vulva is relatively rare and usually occurs in women older than 50, although younger women can develop it, too. Most cancer of the vulva (90 percent) is squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, and another 5 percent is melanoma, another type of skin cancer. The most common symptom of cancer of the vulva is persistent itching. Lumps may appear on the labia, or outer lips, on the inner labia, the clitoris, or the perineum (the area between the anus and the vagina). Burning, pain, discharge, or bleeding may also occur. If the cancer has become invasive, a large mass may develop on the vulva or the groin. When the cancer is a melanoma, it usually appears on the clitoris and the outer labia, as brown, black, or blue-black lumps or patches.
A rare form of cancer that primarily targets the vulva, the external area of the female genitalia, is most often seen in women who have gone through menopause. While the early stages may involve cellular changes that lead to itching, the first noticeable symptom is often a lump or a painful sore on the vulva.
Confirmation of the diagnosis is achieved through a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the impacted tissue. The prognosis is generally better when treatment begins at an early stage.