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Cancer - vulva

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Cancer - perineum

Symptoms:

• Ulcer , thickening or lump
  • Usually on the labia majora
  • May be anywhere on the vulva
• Local itching, pain, burning, bleeding
• Pain with urination
• Pain with intercourse
• Unusual odor

Nearly 20% of women with vulvar cancer have no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

The following are used to diagnose vulvar cancer:

• Pelvic examination to look for any skin changes
• Excision and biopsy of the lesion to make an accurate diagnosis

References:

American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts and Figures 2006. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2006.

Society of Gynecologic Oncologists Clinical Practice Guidelines: Vulvar cancer. Oncology. 1998;12:275-282.

• Review Date: 9/11/2006
• Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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