There are often few obvious symptoms of early vulvar cancer. The cancer is commonly diagnosed after a history of vulvar symptoms over several months or years. These may include:
- itching, burning and soreness or pain in the vulva
- a lump, sore, swelling or wart-like growth on the vulva
- thickened, raised skin patches (may be red, white or dark brown)
- a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
- blood, pus or other discharge coming from an area of skin or a sore spot in the vulva, which may have a strong or unusual smell or colour (not related to your menstrual period)
- an ulcer that won’t heal
- hard or swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.
Some symptoms are obvious, while others need to be touched or seen. Most people don’t look at their vulva, so they don’t know what is normal for them. The vulva can be difficult to see without a mirror, and some people feel uncomfortable examining their genitals. If you feel any pain in your genital area or notice any of these symptoms, visit your GP for a check-up.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
More resources
A/Prof Alison Brand, Director, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Ellen Barlow, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Royal Hospital for Women, NSW; Jane Conroy-Wright, Consumer; Rebecca James, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Suparna Karpe, Clinical Psychologist, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Pearly Khaw, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Sally McCoull, Consumer; A/Prof Orla McNally, Gynaecological Oncologist and Director, Oncology/Dysplasia, The Royal Women’s Hospital, and Director, Gynaecology Tumour Stream,Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Haley McNamara, Social Worker and Project Manager, Care at End of Life Project, Queensland Health, QLD; Tamara Wraith, Senior Clinician – Physiotherapy, The Royal Women’s Hospital, VIC.
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