Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar Cancer Care at UVM Cancer Center

Vulvar cancer is a rare form of cancer that forms in the vulva's cells and tissues. Early prevention and diagnosis of vulvar cancer can help you avoid extensive surgery. It forms slowly over years and most frequently affects the outer vaginal lips. The most common types of vulvar cancer are vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and vulvar melanoma.

At University of Vermont Health, you’ll receive advanced vulvar cancer care from trusted experts. Our team provides a patient-centered approach that includes comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment and support for you and your family. Our experts develop a personalized treatment plan that may include enrollment in clinical trials only available at leading programs nationwide.

Why Choose UVM Health?

As a leading cancer program in the region, we offer:

Expert care: We provide specialized care with highly skilled gynecological surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are also active researchers and physician-leaders.
Innovation: We participate in prestigious cancer research networks and clinical trials that offer additional care options for difficult-to-treat cancers.
Minimally invasive procedures: If you need surgery to remove your cancer, you may be eligible for robot-assisted surgery. This method uses robotic technologies to assist in removal of the cancer through small incisions leading to a faster recovery with less pain and fewer complications.
Convenience: Whenever possible we schedule your appointments with multiple members of your care team on the same day. Our network of providers gives you access to cancer services in clinic locations throughout the region, so you can get leading-edge cancer care without having to travel far.

Vulvar Cancer Symptoms

Vulvar cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms and usually forms slowly over many years. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:

A lump or growth on the vulva that looks like a wart or ulcer
Itching in the vulvar area that does not go away
Bleeding not related to menstruation (periods)
Pain in the vulvar area
Changes in skin, including color or rash

Diagnosing Vulvar Cancer

Your doctor may find vulvar cancer during a routine pelvic examination and Pap test. Vulvar cancer diagnosis may include:

Colposcopy: This procedure uses a lighted, magnifying instrument (colposcope) to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas.
Biopsy: Sometimes colposcopy includes a biopsy, which is removing a sample of vaginal and cervical tissue for analysis in a laboratory by a pathologist.
Pelvic exam: The doctor or nurse examines a woman's reproductive and other organs in the pelvis, including the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and rectum.
Pap test: During a pelvic exam, the doctor or nurse collects vaginal and cervical cells for later analysis under a microscope.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: Cells are collected from the vulva and checked for the presence of HPV infection.
Imaging: These tests may include X-rays, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET).

Vulvar Cancer Treatment

At UVM Health, you receive a personalized care plan based on your unique diagnosis. Our team uses advanced therapies, techniques and equipment to treat vulvar cancer. Throughout your cancer journey, our nurse navigators are by your side to coordinate appointments, answer questions and guide your care.

Treatment options for vulvar cancer include:

Excision: A procedure that cuts out cancer and a small amount of nearby healthy tissue to make sure all the cancer is removed. Sometimes this surgery is also called wide local excision or radical excision.
Vulvectomy: A procedure that removes either all or part of the vulva. If needed, the surgeons may graft skin from another area of your body.
Pelvic exenteration: An extensive surgery that removes most of your pelvic organs if cancer has spread or come back
Chemotherapy: Treatment that uses medications to kill the cancer cells
Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to destroy the cancer cells