Radiation therapy is sometimes combined with chemotherapy, which can make cancer cells more vulnerable to the radiation. Vulvar cancer and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (adult). For vulvar cancers, there are 3 main types of treatment. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) may become cancer and spread into nearby tissue. Your doctor will determine the schedule of follow-up exams that's right for you, but doctors generally recommend exams two to four times each year for the first two years after vulvar cancer treatment. Such treatment can shrink very large cancers, making them easier to remove. Many of today's standard treatments for cancer are based on earlier clinical trials. Both versions have cancer information that is accurate and up to date and most versions are also available in Spanish. o [ abdominal pain pediatric ] Depending on the extent of the vulvar tumor, your doctor may perform any of the two following surgeries: In addition to the above surgeries, your doctor may remove the lymph nodes that are likely to be cancerous. (Bartholin glands are very small, round glands located deep in the vulva on either side of the opening to the vagina.). These abnormal cells are not cancer. Cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. Terms of Use. The following English-language resource may be useful. In stage II, the tumor is any size and has spread to the lower one-third of the urethra, the lower one-third of the vagina, or the lower one-third of the anus. Targeted therapy might be an option for treating advanced vulvar cancer. Your time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time together. A vulvar tumor can look like anything that includes: The most common symptom associated with vulvar tumors includes itching that does not go away. The PDQ summaries are based on an independent review of the medical literature. Some clinical trials only include patients who have not yet received treatment. See Drugs Approved to Treat Vulvar Cancer for more information. One of the following types of surgery may be done to treat VIN: The goal of surgery for vulvar cancer is to remove all the cancer without any loss of the woman's sexual function. Vulvar cancer commonly forms as a lump or sore on the vulva that often causes itching. List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. The American Cancer Society offers programs and services to help you during and after cancer treatment. Mayo Clinic; 2019. These tests are sometimes called follow-up tests or check-ups. Vulvar lesion. The vulva refers to the area around the opening of the vagina. This therapy is most often reserved for people whose cancer has reached an advanced stage and spread to other organs of the body. If areas of cancer that measure less than 2 mm (called micrometastases) are detected in the sentinel lymph nodes, they are treated with radiation therapy. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. The vulva is the area of skin that surrounds the urethra and vagina, including the clitoris and labia. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. It contains the external female reproductive organs Female External Genital Organs The external genital structures include the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. For information about side effects caused by treatment for cancer, see our Side Effects page. These are two sets of skin folds that look like lips. Chemotherapy is a drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. Because vulvar melanomas and adenocarcinomas are so rare, much less is known about how they develop. The date on each summary ("Updated") is the date of the most recent change. These symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a doctor. 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 Usually, a small, shiny bump appears on the skin and enlarges slowly read more (which rarely spread), and rare cancers such as Bartholin gland cancer. Having vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia or HPV infection can increase the risk of vulvar cancer. If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. For some patients, taking part in a clinical trial may be the best treatment choice. Pain. These cancers are called gynecologic cancers. Information about clinical trials is available from the NCI website. Because appointments can be brief, and it can be difficult to remember everything you want to discuss, it's a good idea to be prepared. , MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; The cancer may appear to be a lump, an itchy area, or a sore that does not heal. In the United States, cancer of the vulva (vulvar carcinoma) is the fourth most common gynecologic cancer, accounting for 5% of these cancers. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Accessed Sept. 30, 2020. Vulvar cancer is not very common. Some tests will be repeated in order to see how well the treatment is working. o [ pediatric abdominal pain ] A subtype called verrucous carcinoma grows slowly and can look like a wart. 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