Vulvar Cancer Diagnosis

Winship’s vulvar cancer care team includes expert gynecologic oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system.

• Changes to skin color. Skin that is darker or lighter than normal. Many vulvar cancer melanomas are black or dark brown, but they can also be white, pink or red.
• Changes to skin texture. Patches of skin that are thicker or rougher than normal.
• Growths on the skin. Wart-like bumps, lumps or ulcers.
• Vulva tenderness and pain. Discomfort during urination or sexual intercourse.
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding. Bleeding or discharge unrelated to menstruation.
• Sensations that don’t go away on their own.

If any of these symptoms are present, seek evalutation by a gynecologist.

Understanding how vulvar cancer develops — and who is most at risk for the disease — can help patients notice the first signs of vulvar cancer, which is crucial to getting an early diagnosis.

A pelvic exam is the first step in diagnosing vulvar cancer. Additional diagnostic procedures and tests that might be done as part of a pelvic exam include:

• Vulvar biopsy. If the doctor finds vulvar skin that appears abnormal, they may take a sample to test for cancer cells. A biopsy is the only definitive way to determine if vulvar cancer is present.
• Colposcopy. The doctor views the vulva, vagina and cervix in detail with a lighted magnifying instrument called a colposcope. This helps them see abnormal tissue in the reproductive organs.