Vulvar Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Vulvar Cancer?
Vulvar cancer is treated by a gynecologist or a gynecologic oncologist, a surgeon who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive organs. Your primary care doctor can start the evaluation and refer you to the right specialist. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Vulvar cancer is a rare disease that starts in the vulva, the outer part of the female genital area. Most of these cancers start in the skin cells of the vulva and grow slowly over months or years.
Symptoms
The most common sign is itching on the vulva that does not go away. Other signs include a lump or sore, skin changes, and bleeding or discharge that is not from a normal period. These symptoms can be caused by less serious problems too, such as an infection or a skin condition. Any symptom that lasts more than a few weeks should be checked by a doctor.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not always know why vulvar cancer starts. One known cause is infection with certain types of HPV, a common virus spread by skin contact during sex. Long-lasting skin conditions such as lichen sclerosus and smoking also raise the risk. Most cases happen in women over age 50, but younger people can get it too.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor will examine the vulva closely and may take a small tissue sample in a biopsy, the only way to know for sure if cancer is present. If cancer is found, imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans help show whether it has spread and tell the doctor the stage.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the stage. Surgery is the most common treatment, and some people also need radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Many people do well, but results depend on the stage at diagnosis and other health factors.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have itching, a lump, a sore, skin changes, or bleeding in the vulvar area that lasts more than a few weeks. Do not wait for pain to appear, because early vulvar cancer often does not hurt. Getting checked early gives you the best chance of simpler treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can examine the area, discuss your symptoms, and order basic tests, and will refer you to a specialist if vulvar cancer is suspected.
Common questions
Is vulvar cancer common?
No, it is rare. It makes up a small percentage of cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. It is most often diagnosed in women over 50.
Can vulvar cancer be prevented?
The risk can be lowered in some ways. The HPV vaccine protects against the virus types linked to this cancer. Not smoking lowers risk as well. Nothing guarantees prevention, though.
Is a biopsy painful?
A biopsy of the vulva is usually done with numbing medicine applied to the area. Most people feel only a pinch or some pressure. Soreness afterward is common but usually short-lived.
Does an abnormal Pap smear mean vulvar cancer?
No. A Pap smear checks cells from the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus, not the vulva. Abnormal results usually point to cervical changes, not vulvar cancer.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Vulvar Cancer
- National Cancer Institute - Vulvar Cancer
- American Cancer Society - Vulvar Cancer
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
