What Is Vulvar Cancer?

Vulvar cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the vulva. The vulva is the outer part of the female genital area. It includes the labia, clitoris, and the skin and tissues around the opening of the vagina.

Vulvar cancer develops when some cells in the vulva begin to grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way. Over time, these cells can form a tumour and may spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes if the cancer is not treated.

Why Is Early Diagnosis Important?

Finding vulvar cancer early can make treatment easier and may give doctors more treatment options. A new lump, sore, skin change, bleeding, or itching that does not go away should be checked by a doctor. These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should not be ignored if they continue.

Vulvar Cancer vs Vaginal Cancer vs Cervical Cancer

These cancers are different because they start in different parts of the female reproductive system.

• Vulvar cancer: Starts in the vulva, which is the outer genital area.
• Vaginal cancer: Starts in the vagina, the muscular passage that connects the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Cervical cancer: Starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Because these cancers start in different areas, their symptoms, tests, staging, and treatment can also be different. A doctor may use an examination, imaging, and a biopsy to understand exactly where the cancer started and how far it has spread.

Vulvar Cancer Symptoms

Vulvar cancer can cause changes in the skin or tissues of the vulva. Some symptoms may be easy to notice, while others may look like common skin or vaginal problems. If a symptom does not go away or keeps getting worse, it is important to have it checked by a doctor.

• Lump on the Vulva: A new lump, swelling, or growth on the vulva should be checked, especially if it remains for a long time or changes in size.
• Persistent Itching: Itching that does not improve or keeps coming back can be a symptom that needs medical evaluation.
• Skin Colour or Texture Changes: The skin of the vulva may become lighter, darker, thicker, or develop an unusual appearance.
• Unusual Bleeding: Bleeding from the vulva that is not related to a normal menstrual period should be checked by a doctor.
• Pain or Burning: Persistent pain, soreness, or a burning feeling around the vulva can require medical evaluation.
• Sore That Does Not Heal: A wound, ulcer, or sore on the vulva that does not heal should not be ignored.
• Unusual Discharge: A change in vaginal or vulvar discharge, especially when it is unusual or persistent, should be discussed with a doctor.
• Pain During Urination: Burning or pain while passing urine can occur with different conditions and should be checked if it continues.
• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Swelling or a lump in the groin area may occur when nearby lymph nodes are affected.

Vulvar Cancer Causes & Risk Factors

There is not always one clear cause of vulvar cancer. It usually develops because cells in the vulva start growing abnormally. Some factors can increase the chance of developing vulvar cancer, but having a risk factor does not mean that a person will definitely get cancer.

• HPV Infection: Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause changes in cells that may increase the risk of vulvar cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma.
• Older Age: The risk of vulvar cancer generally increases with age. However, younger women can also develop the disease, particularly in some HPV-related cases.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of HPV-related cell changes and is associated with a higher risk of vulvar cancer.
• Weak Immune System: People with a weakened immune system may have a higher risk of persistent HPV infection and related cell changes.
• Previous Cervical or Vaginal Abnormalities: A history of certain abnormal cell changes or cancers of the cervix or vagina may increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer.
• Vulvar Skin Conditions: Certain long-term skin conditions affecting the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus, can increase the risk of vulvar cancer and may require regular medical follow-up.
• History of HPV-Related Disease: A previous HPV-related condition, such as genital warts or abnormal cervical cell changes, may be linked with a higher risk of vulvar cancer.

Vulvar Cancer Diagnosis

If a doctor finds an unusual lump, sore, skin change, bleeding, or another persistent symptom, different tests may be used to find out the cause. The tests also help doctors understand whether cancer is present and, if so, how far it has spread.

1. Physical Examination

The doctor checks the vulva for lumps, sores, skin colour changes, swelling, or other unusual areas. The groin may also be examined for swollen lymph nodes.

2. Pelvic Examination

A pelvic examination allows the doctor to check the vulva, vagina, cervix, and nearby tissues for abnormal changes.

3. Vulvoscopy

Vulvoscopy uses a magnifying instrument to look more closely at the skin of the vulva. It can help the doctor identify an area that may need further testing.

4. Biopsy

During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is removed from the unusual area and examined in a laboratory. A biopsy is an important test used to confirm whether vulvar cancer is present. It can also help identify the type of cancer.

5. HPV Testing

HPV testing may be used when appropriate. HPV can be linked with some types of vulvar cancer and related cell changes. The doctor decides whether this test is useful based on the patient's condition and other findings.

6. MRI Scan

An MRI uses detailed images to help doctors see the tumour and nearby tissues. It may be useful for understanding the local extent of vulvar cancer.

7. CT Scan

A CT scan can provide images of different parts of the body. It may be used to check nearby lymph nodes or look for signs that cancer has spread.

8. PET-CT Scan

A PET-CT may be recommended in selected patients when doctors need more information about possible cancer spread or to help with treatment planning. It is not required for every patient.

9. Blood Tests

Blood tests may be done to check general health and organ function. These tests can help doctors plan treatment safely, although blood tests alone cannot confirm vulvar cancer.

Vulvar Cancer Stages

After vulvar cancer is diagnosed, doctors determine its stage. Staging tells the medical team how large the cancer is, where it has grown, whether nearby lymph nodes are involved, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Vulvar cancer is generally grouped into Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and Stage 4. However, each stage has more detailed medical criteria, so the stage cannot be decided from symptoms alone.

Important: Vulvar cancer staging is more detailed than these simple descriptions. Doctors consider the tumour's size, exact location, nearby tissue involvement, lymph node findings, and whether the cancer has spread elsewhere. The final stage is determined after reviewing the complete clinical, biopsy, and imaging information.

Vulvar Cancer Treatment in India

Treatment for vulvar cancer depends on the type of cancer, its stage, tumour size and location, lymph node involvement, previous treatment, and the patient's overall health. Some patients need one treatment, while others may need a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other medicines.

The treatment plan is made after reviewing the biopsy, scans, stage, and other medical reports. The aim may be to remove or control the cancer, reduce the risk of recurrence, and protect the patient's health and quality of life.

Surgery

Surgery is an important treatment for many vulvar cancers, particularly when the cancer can be removed safely. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumour.

• Tumour Removal: The cancerous area may be removed along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue.
• Wide Local Excision: The tumour and a margin of nearby tissue are removed while trying to preserve as much healthy vulvar tissue as possible.
• Vulvectomy: In selected cases, part or all of the vulva may need to be removed depending on the location and extent of the cancer.
• Lymph Node Surgery: Nearby lymph nodes may be examined or removed when there is a risk that cancer has spread to them.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to damage cancer cells. It may be used to treat the vulvar tumour or nearby lymph nodes and can be given before or after surgery in selected patients.

• Local Cancer Control: Radiation can help control cancer in the vulva or nearby tissues.
• Lymph Node Treatment: Radiation may be used when nearby lymph nodes need treatment.
• Before or After Surgery: Radiation may be recommended before or after surgery depending on the stage and other clinical findings.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses medicines that can travel through the bloodstream and affect cancer cells in different parts of the body. It may be considered in advanced or recurrent vulvar cancer and may also be used with radiation in selected cases.

• May be used for advanced disease.
• May be given together with radiation therapy in selected cases.
• May be considered when vulvar cancer comes back after earlier treatment.

Chemoradiation

Chemoradiation means using chemotherapy and radiation therapy as part of the same treatment plan. It may be considered for selected locally advanced vulvar cancers. The exact approach depends on the cancer stage, tumour location, general health, and other medical findings.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. It is not suitable for every patient. In selected advanced or recurrent cases, doctors may consider immunotherapy based on the tumour's features, biomarker results, previous treatment, and overall health.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to act on specific features that help cancer cells grow or survive. These treatments are considered only when the cancer has suitable molecular or biomarker features and the treatment is appropriate for the individual patient.

Personalized Treatment Plan

There is no single treatment that is right for every person with vulvar cancer. Doctors review several factors before choosing the treatment approach.

• Stage: How advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread.
• Tumour Location: Where the cancer is located and how large it is.
• Lymph Nodes: Whether nearby lymph nodes are affected.
• Biopsy and Pathology: The type and features of the cancer found in the tissue sample.
• Overall Health: The patient's age, general health, and ability to tolerate treatment.
• Previous Treatment: Any surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatment received in the past.

Who Can Benefit From Treatment?

Vulvar cancer treatment can be considered for patients at different stages of the disease. The treatment approach changes according to how far the cancer has spread and the patient's individual medical condition.

• Newly Diagnosed Patients: Patients who have recently been diagnosed can receive a complete evaluation to understand the cancer type and stage before treatment begins.
• Early-Stage Vulvar Cancer: Patients whose cancer is found early may have treatment options such as surgery, with additional treatment considered when medically required.
• Locally Advanced Cancer: When cancer has grown into nearby tissues, a combination of treatments may be considered depending on the individual case.
• Stage 3–4 Patients: More advanced disease may require a combination of local and systemic treatments to control the cancer and manage symptoms.
• Recurrent Vulvar Cancer: If cancer returns after earlier treatment, doctors review where it has returned and what treatments were used previously before choosing the next step.
• Metastatic Disease: When cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, systemic treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other suitable medicines may be considered.
• Patients Seeking a Second Opinion: Patients can have their biopsy, scans, and previous treatment records reviewed to better understand their available treatment options.
• Patients Looking for Treatment Options in India: Patients from India or other countries can share their medical reports for an initial online consultation before planning an in-person visit.

Every case is different. A treatment that is suitable for one patient may not be suitable for another, so the final treatment plan should be based on individual medical evaluation.

Vulvar Cancer Treatment Cost in India

The cost of vulvar cancer treatment in India is different for every patient. There is no single fixed price because treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, tests, medicines, and hospital care. The total cost also depends on the stage of cancer and the treatment plan.

Published Indian healthcare cost guides show that vulvar cancer treatment can vary considerably between hospitals and cities. Some current estimates place overall vulvar cancer treatment around ₹88,800 to ₹1,18,400, while surgical treatment estimates may be around ₹1.2 lakh to ₹2 lakh. These are only indicative figures and should not be treated as a fixed hospital quote.

Factors That Affect Vulvar Cancer Treatment Cost

• Stage of Cancer: Early-stage and advanced vulvar cancer may require very different treatment plans.
• Type of Surgery: The cost depends on whether a smaller tumour removal, wider surgery, vulvectomy, or lymph node surgery is required.
• Number of Radiation Sessions: Radiation cost depends on the treatment technique and number of sessions prescribed.
• Chemotherapy Medicines: The medicines used and number of cycles can change the total cost.
• Tests and Scans: Biopsy, MRI, CT, PET-CT, blood tests, and other investigations may add to the total cost.
• Hospital Stay: Surgery and complicated treatment may require hospital admission and monitoring.
• Supportive Medicines: Medicines for pain, nausea, infection prevention, nutrition, or other treatment side effects may also add to the cost.
• Combination Treatment: Some patients may need surgery together with radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments, which can increase the overall cost.

Important: Fuda Cancer Hospital Treatment Cost Is Different

Fuda Cancer Hospital is based in Guangzhou, China. Fuda does not operate a full physical cancer hospital in India. Patients in India can access consultation, medical report review, treatment planning, coordination, and follow-up support through Fuda's consultation centres in Mumbai and Noida.

Therefore, if a patient chooses treatment through Fuda Cancer Hospital, the treatment cost will be different from the cost of receiving the same type of treatment at an Indian hospital. The final cost may depend on the treatment recommended in China, the number of treatment sessions, medicines, hospital stay, investigations, travel, accommodation, and other patient-specific requirements.

Indian patients can first share their medical reports through an online consultation. The case can then be reviewed to understand whether treatment at Fuda Cancer Hospital in China is appropriate and what the expected treatment plan and costs may be.

Vulvar Cancer Survival Rate

The survival rate tells us how many people with a particular cancer are alive after a certain period of time. One commonly used measure is the 5-year relative survival rate. It compares people with cancer with people in the general population who do not have that cancer.

Survival statistics can help explain the general outlook, but they cannot tell exactly how long one person will live. Vulvar cancer outcomes can be very different from one patient to another.

How Does Stage Affect Survival?

The stage of vulvar cancer is one of the important factors affecting prognosis. Cancer that is found early and has not spread usually has a better outlook than cancer that has grown into nearby tissues or spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.

Other Factors That Affect Survival

• Lymph Node Involvement: Whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes can affect the prognosis and treatment plan.
• Tumour Type: Different types of vulvar cancer can behave differently and may respond differently to treatment.
• Tumour Size: The size and location of the tumour can influence the stage and treatment options.
• Treatment Response: How the cancer responds to surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or other treatment can affect the patient's outlook.
• Overall Health: Age, general health, other medical conditions, and the ability to tolerate treatment can also influence outcomes.

Is Vulvar Cancer Curable?

Vulvar cancer can be treated successfully in many patients, especially when it is found early. Whether treatment can completely remove the cancer depends on its stage, type, size, location, lymph node involvement, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Early-Stage Vulvar Cancer

When cancer is limited to the vulva, treatment may be given with curative intent. Surgery is often an important part of treatment, with radiation or other treatment added when medically appropriate.

Role of Surgery

Surgery may remove the cancer along with a margin of healthy tissue. Depending on the tumour, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be examined or treated.

Radiation and Chemoradiation

Radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery in selected cases. In some locally advanced cancers, chemotherapy may be given together with radiation as part of the treatment plan.

Advanced Vulvar Cancer

When vulvar cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, treatment may focus on controlling the cancer, slowing its growth, reducing symptoms, and helping the patient maintain quality of life. Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, targeted treatment, or combinations may be considered depending on the cancer.

Can Vulvar Cancer Come Back?

Yes. Vulvar cancer can sometimes return after treatment. This is called recurrence. Regular follow-up helps doctors look for signs of recurrence and decide what treatment may be needed if the cancer returns.

Remission vs Cure

Remission means that signs of cancer have decreased or cannot currently be detected with available tests. Cure generally means there are no remaining signs of cancer and the cancer is not expected to return. Doctors may need long-term follow-up before they can discuss the patient's outlook with greater confidence.

Recovery After Vulvar Cancer Treatment

Recovery depends on the type of treatment received. Someone recovering from surgery may have different needs from a patient receiving radiation or chemotherapy. Your healthcare team can provide instructions based on your treatment and individual condition.

• Surgery Recovery: Healing time depends on the type and extent of surgery. Wound care and follow-up appointments are important.
• Radiation Recovery: The treated skin may become sore or irritated, and tiredness can occur. Your doctor can advise you about skin care and managing side effects.
• Wound Care: Keep the surgical area clean and follow the wound-care instructions given by your healthcare team.
• Pain Management: Medicines and other supportive measures may be used to control pain and improve comfort during recovery.
• Nutrition: A balanced diet and adequate fluids can support recovery. Some patients may need additional nutrition advice.
• Physical Activity: Gentle movement may help maintain strength, but activity should be increased according to the doctor's advice.
• Follow-up Examination: Regular examinations help doctors check healing and look for signs of recurrence.
• Imaging When Required: Scans may be recommended when symptoms or clinical findings require further evaluation.
• Emotional Support: Cancer treatment can affect emotional well-being. Counselling, family support, and speaking with the healthcare team can be helpful.

Vulvar Cancer Follow-Up

Follow-up care is an important part of vulvar cancer treatment. Even after treatment is completed, regular medical visits help doctors check recovery and look for any signs that the cancer may have returned.

• Regular Doctor Visits: Your doctor will recommend follow-up visits based on your treatment and individual risk of recurrence.
• Physical and Pelvic Examination: The vulva, groin, and nearby areas may be examined during follow-up visits.
• Monitoring for Recurrence: Doctors look for new lumps, sores, skin changes, pain, bleeding, or other changes that may need further testing.
• Imaging When Required: MRI, CT, PET-CT, or other scans may be recommended when there are symptoms or clinical findings that need further evaluation.
• Report New Symptoms: Tell your doctor about persistent itching, bleeding, pain, a new lump, skin changes, or a sore that does not heal.
• Long-Term Follow-Up: Continued follow-up is important because recurrence can sometimes occur months or years after the original treatment.

The follow-up schedule is not the same for everyone. Your doctor will decide how often you need examinations and whether additional tests are necessary based on your cancer stage, treatment, and overall health.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Some vulvar symptoms can have simple causes, but symptoms that continue, become worse, or do not improve should be checked by a doctor. Early medical evaluation can help identify the cause and, if cancer is present, help start treatment at the right time.

• Persistent Lump: A lump or unusual growth on the vulva that does not go away should be examined.
• Non-Healing Sore: A sore, ulcer, or wound that does not heal needs medical evaluation.
• Unusual Bleeding: Bleeding from the vulvar area that is unusual or occurs outside your normal menstrual pattern should be checked.
• Persistent Itching: Itching that continues despite basic care or keeps coming back should not be ignored.
• Skin Colour or Texture Changes: A new change in the colour, thickness, texture, or appearance of vulvar skin should be examined.
• Pain or Burning: Persistent pain, soreness, or burning around the vulva should be discussed with a doctor.
• Unusual Discharge: Persistent or unusual discharge should be evaluated, especially when it occurs with other symptoms.
• Symptoms That Do Not Improve: Any new vulvar symptom that continues or becomes worse should be checked, even if it does not seem serious.