Vulvar cancer is a less common gynecological cancer. HPV infection, smoking, and having a precancerous condition called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia all increase the risk. Outlook for vulvar cancer is best when you receive the diagnosis and treatment early.
Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the vulva, the outer portion of the female genitals. It includes areas like the vaginal opening, labia majora and minora, clitoris, and Bartholin glands.
Overall, vulvar cancer is an uncommon type of cancer. Below, we’ll discuss how common vulvar cancer is, who’s at an increased risk, and the outlook for this type of cancer.
Vulvar cancer isn’t that common. It’s estimated to make up only
The lifetime risk of developing vulvar cancer is
The most common type of vulvar cancer is called squamous cell cancer (SCC). This type of vulvar cancer makes up
Some people have a higher risk of vulvar cancer. The risk factors for vulvar cancer include:
- older age
- infection with a high risk type of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly
types 16 and 33 - a personal history of genital warts or of other cancers associated with HPV, such as cervical cancer
- a weak immune system due to HIV infection or AIDS, an organ transplant, or immunosuppressive drugs
- smoking
- lichen sclerosus
- vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), a precancerous condition affecting the vulva
It’s important to know that having one or more of the risk factors above doesn’t mean you’ll certainly develop vulvar cancer. It means that you’re at a higher risk of vulvar cancer than a person without the risk factors.
Vulvar cancer can happen at any age, but most people who develop it are older. The
SCC, the most common type of vulvar cancer, is typically preceded by a precancerous condition called VIN. VIN may or may not have an association with HPV infection. HPV-related VIN is
Vulvar cancer may not spread that quickly. For example,
Learn more about how and if vulvar cancer may spread.
According to the
- 86.3% when the cancer is only in the vulva
- 47.1% when the cancer has spread into nearby tissues and lymph nodes
- 21.1% when the cancer has metastasized
- 62.1% overall
Five-year survival rates measure the percentage of people with a certain type and stage of cancer who are alive five years after receiving their diagnosis.
Because these statistics include data from a large number of people over a long span of time, they don’t account for recent advances in treatment or specific individual factors like age and overall health.
The outlook for vulvar cancer can depend on many different factors. These include:
- the specific type of vulvar cancer that you have
- the extent or stage, of the cancer
- the type of treatment used and how the cancer responds to it
- whether or not the cancer has recurred
- your age and overall health
Generally speaking, the outlook is typically less favorable for vulvar cancers that:
Every individual with vulvar cancer is different. If you’ve received a diagnosis of vulvar cancer, have an open conversation with your oncology team about your individual outlook and what to expect going forward.
There’s no way to prevent vulvar cancer for sure, but there are steps you can take that can help to reduce your risk. One of these is to get the HPV vaccine, which protects against
Doctors typically give the HPV vaccine
Quitting smoking if you smoke can also reduce your risk of vulvar and several other cancers or health conditions. Working with your doctor to develop a quit plan can be helpful.
Lastly, it’s important to see your gynecologist for regular pelvic checkups. Doing this can ensure that your doctor detects any precancerous or cancerous conditions early.
What are the warning signs of vulvar cancer?
Some of the potential warning signs of vulvar cancer that it’s important to see a doctor about are:
Is vulvar cancer rare?
Vulvar cancer is much less common than many other gynecological cancers. For example, cancers of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix are
How curable is vulvar cancer?
The outlook for vulvar cancer is best when it’s detected early. When detected at an early stage, doctors can remove it completely. More advanced vulvar cancer is harder to treat.
Vulvar cancer isn’t common. It only makes up a small percentage of gynecological cancers, with those of the uterus, ovaries, and cervix being more common.
Risk factors for vulvar cancer include older age, HPV infection, VIN, and smoking. You can reduce your risk of vulvar cancer by getting the HPV vaccine, quitting smoking, and having regular pelvic checkups.
The outlook for vulvar cancer is best when you receive its diagnosis early. Be sure to see your doctor if you notice an atypical lump or lesion on your vulva that may happen with itching, pain, or unusual discharge.