Symptoms of vulvar cancer

Vulvar cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Signs and symptoms often appear as the tumour grows and affects nearby structures. Other benign health conditions can cause the same symptoms as vulvar cancer.

The signs or symptoms of vulvar cancer include:

  • itching, soreness, burning, tingling sensation or pain in the vulva that doesn’t go away
  • wart-like growths on the vulva
  • thickened skin, a lump or growth on the vulva
  • a lump or growth in or on either side of the opening to the vagina
  • raw patches or an open sore (ulcer)
  • changes in the appearance of a mole on the vulva
  • unusual bleeding or discharge that is not menstruation
  • pain during urination or sexual intercourse
  • fluid leaking from the growth
  • one or more swollen or hard lymph nodes in the groin

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Vulvar Cancer. 2014. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/vulvar-cancer.html.
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology. Vulvar Cancer. 2015.
  • Klopp AH, Eifel PJ, Berek JS, Konstantinopoulos PA. Cancer of the cervix, vagina and vulva. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 72:1013-1047.

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