Vulvar cancer history and symptoms
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
History
Symptoms
Early vulvar cancer does not have any symptoms. As the tumor grows larger, people may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- A lump in the vulva
- Vulvar itching or tenderness
- Genital ulcer
- Intermenstrual PV bleed
- Post menopausal PV bleed
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Vulvar cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include:
itching of the vulva that lasts a long time and isn’t relieved by antifungal or steroid creams pink, red, white or discoloured areas scaly or wart-like patches raw patches or an open sore (ulcer) thickened skin pain, tenderness or discomfort in the vulva changes in the appearance of a mole on the vulva (it may become larger or change colour or shape) a lump or mass on the vulva that doesn’t go away burning or tingling sensation (may be worse while urinating) Late signs and symptoms
Late signs and symptoms occur as vulvar cancer grows larger or spreads to other parts of the body, including other organs:
severe itching pain large lump or mass on the vulva pain during urination or sexual intercourse unusual bleeding or discharge fluid leaking from the tumour one or more swollen or hard lymph nodes lymph nodes A small, bean-shaped mass of lymphatic tissue along lymph vessels (tubes through which lymph fluid travels in the body). Lymph nodes store lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that fights germs, foreign substances or cancer cells) and filters bacteria and foreign substances (including cancer cell in the groin