Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer

Last medical review:

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

The signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include:

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

Expert review and references

  • Alon Altman, H.BSc., MD, FRCSC, CCPE
  • American Cancer Society. Signs and Symptoms of Vulvar Cancers and Pre-cancers. 2018. https://www.cancer.org/.
  • Cancer Research UK. Types of Surgery for Vulval Cancer. 2023. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/.
  • Capria A, Tahir N, Fatehi M. Vulvar cancer. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. https://www.statpearls.com/.
  • National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Vulvar Cancer. Version 4.2024. 2024. https://www.nccn.org/home.
  • van der Kolk WL, Oonk MHM. Vulvar cancer: clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and workup. Chi DS, Khabele D, Dizon DS, Yasha C, eds.. Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2025: Kindle version, chapter 2.5.

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