Vulvar Cancer Symptoms
Vulvar cancer develops over time and does not present any early symptoms. If women suspect they have any abnormalities or have unusual symptoms, they should seek the advice of doctors who are best at detecting vulvar cancer. Some abnormalities that could lead to vulvar cancer include:
- Lump in the vulva
- Itching, burning, or tenderness
- Bleeding not from the menstrual cycle
- Pain
- Skin changes including abnormal coloring or thickening
Tests for Vulvar Cancer
There is not a standard test to detect vulvar cancer. If vulvar cancer is suspected, a thorough pelvic exam should be conducted. If any suspicious growths or abnormalities are found, a biopsy may be conducted to test for the presence of vulvar cancer cells. Because there is not a standard test for vulvar cancer, it is important for women to have annual pelvic exams so any abnormalities can be detected and treated prior to becoming vulvar cancer.
Stages of Vulvar Cancer
Determining the stage of vulvar cancer is important in developing an appropriate treatment plan. At The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy, Dr. Dwight Im, Dr. Neil Rosenshein, and Dr. Hyung Ryu, are among the best doctors to effectively stage vulvar cancer. Though it is most often detected early, the stages of vulvar cancer include:
- Stage I - vulvar cancer is limited to the vulva area
- Stage II - vulvar cancer spreads to the lower portions of the urethra, vagina, and anus
- Stage III - vulvar cancer spreads to the lymph nodes
- Stage IVA - vulvar cancer spreads to the upper portions of the urethra or vagina as well as to the bladder, rectum, and pelvic bone
- Stage IVB - vulvar cancer spreads to other parts of the body
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