Vulvar cancer is a rare disorder characterized by malignant cells in the vulva—the skin area surrounding the urethra and vagina. It is pertinent to note that early diagnosis of the condition aids in better management So, it is important to look out for the symptoms associated with the condition. Vulvar cancer can be of different types depending on the type of cell in which the cancer originates, and the symptoms may vary accordingly.

Warning signs of vulvar cancer to watch out for

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
Though it cannot be considered a form of vulvar cancer, it can lead to the development of vulvar cancer. Most women who develop this condition may not experience any symptoms. However, if they do, one of the first signs could be itching that does not improve. An area affected by VIN may look different from normal vulvar skin. The region is often thicker and lighter than the typical composition of the skin. One should also note that the development may appear pink, red, or darker than the surrounding skin.

Invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva
Most women with invasive cancer of the vulva may experience some type of signs, some of which are listed below.

• A region on the vulva that looks different from normal skin. The portion may appear lighter or darker than the normal skin around it. The color could also appear pink or red.
• A lump or bump on the skin surrounding the urethra and vagina may look pink, red, or white. One may also develop skin that feels thick, rough, wart-like, or raw.
• The thickening of the skin around the vulva
• Constant itching that does not recede
• A painful or burning sensation
• Discharge or bleeding that is not linked with an individual’s regular menstrual period
• An open sore that could last for a month or longer

One may also develop a subtype of invasive squamous cell vulvar cancer known as verrucous carcinoma. In this type of mutation, the individual may experience symptoms such as cauliflower-like growths similar to genital warts.

Vulvar melanoma
A patient with vulvar melanoma may experience the same symptoms as other vulvar cancers, including an itch that does not go away, pain in the region, bleeding or discharge, or a lump-like development. Furthermore, these melanomas are dark brown or black but could also be pink, red, white, or other shades. The development can be found throughout the vulva, with a higher concentration in the area surrounding the clitoris. The melanomas may also be found on the labia majora or labia minora – the two folds of the vulva skin. Furthermore, vulvar melanomas may sometimes begin in an existing mole. Therefore, if an individual notice any sudden change in a mole that has existed for years, it could indicate the presence of melanoma.

One could also follow the ABCDE (asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution) rule to differentiate a regular mole from one that could be affected by melanoma. 

• Asymmetry- Since melanoma is usually asymmetrical, the shape it assumes may not be uniform. Non-cancerous moles are generally uniform and symmetrical shape-wise.
• Border- Melanoma may have borders that are not well defined or irregular in shape, unlike moles that are benign. The latter usually have smooth and well-defined borders.
• Color- Non-cancerous moles have a single color, whereas those caused by melanoma might have multiple colors or shades.
• Diameter- Most melanoma growths are usually larger than 6mm in diameter.
• Evolution- Patients who develop melanoma will notice that the characteristics, such as shape, color, and size, may change regularly.

Bartholin gland cancer
Someone who develops Bartholin gland cancer may notice a mass-like structure forming on either side of the vaginal opening. Cancer starts in the tissue of cells that line the glands of the vulva. One may often misdiagnose the development as that of a Bartholin gland cyst, which is more common and non-cancerous. Women could also develop adenocarcinoma, which begins in Bartholin’s glands (vulvar sweat glands). This type of cancer accounts for a small percentage of vulvar cancers and is usually found on the sides of the vaginal opening.

Paget’s disease of the vulva
Paget’s disease of the vulva is an uncommon skin cancer arising from glandular cells. The disease appears as a red, velvety region with white tissue-like structures on the vulva. The formation may also turn pink, and there might be occasional moistening or oozing ulceration in the area that bleeds easily. Most women who develop Paget’s disease of the vulva may experience symptoms like soreness and itching.

Detecting and diagnosing vulvar cancer
Most of the symptoms above could be associated with other health conditions that are not cancerous. This makes it difficult to properly diagnose if one is affected by vulvar cancer. The lack of proper information in this regard may also lead to individuals trying to assess any developments themselves. Some may also try to treat the disease with alternative remedies and prescriptions for other health conditions without consulting an expert.

Therefore, one must visit a health expert regularly to examine the symptoms and rule out the possibility of vulvar cancer. Moreover, one could also insist on additional testing if the symptoms persist or worsen. Some diagnosis methods include the healthcare provider asking the patient about their health conditions, treatments, and family history of the disease. A physical exam may also be required to check for cancer. Other methods may include a pelvic exam and a colposcopy. To check if vulva cancer has spread, the expert may carry out additional diagnoses, such as bladder and urethra exams, rectum and anus exams, as well as conduct a series of X-rays and scans.