Women with vulvar cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, women with vulvar cancer do not have any of these changes. Or, the cause of a symptom may be a different medical condition that is not cancer.
A lump or growth in or on the vulvar area or groin (enlarged lymph node)
A patch of skin that is differently textured or colored than the rest of the vulvar area
Persistent itching, pain, soreness, or burning in the vulvar area
Painful urination
Bleeding or discharge that is not menstrual blood
An ulcer that persists for more than 1 month
A change in the appearance of an existing mole (this symptom is for vulvar melanoma specifically)
Wart-like growths that are similar to genital warts
If you are concerned about any changes you experience, please talk with your doctor. Your doctor will ask how long and how often you’ve been experiencing any symptom, in addition to other questions. This is to help figure out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis.
If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about the symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.