The vulva is the outer skin of the vagina. Vulvar cancer usually occurs after menopause and accounts for only about three percent of all the types of gynecologic cancers. Essentially, it is a form of skin cancer that begins on the surface and does not grow very much at first. If not treated, the condition can travel to internal parts of the body. If detected early, 75% of all women treated will have no sign of cancer five years after diagnosis.

• Lumps or sores near or at the opening of the vagina
• Scaly or discolored patches of skin
• Surrounding areas that look puckered
• Itching and/or a watery, fluid discharge

A small sample of tissue (biopsy) is taken to be examined under the microscope.

Depending on the size of the affected area, all or part of the vulva may be removed through surgery. Radiation therapy may follow in advanced cases.

• Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Women's Cancer Research Institute