Vulvar cancer
What is vulvar cancer?
Vulvar cancer starts in cells of the vulva. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the vulva.
Risks for vulvar cancer
A risk for developing vulvar cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Learn about other vulvar cancer risks.
Signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer
Common signs and symptoms of vulvar cancer include wart-like growths on the vulva, raw patches or open sores, and itching.
Diagnosis of vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests such as a colposcopy and a biopsy.
Grading vulvar cancer
Grading describes how cancer cells look compared to healthy cells. Low-grade vulvar cancer tends to grow more slowly and is less likely to spread than high-grade vulvar cancer.
Stages of vulvar cancer
The stage of vulvar cancer describes how much cancer is in the body. The most common staging system for vulvar cancer is the FIGO system.
If vulvar cancer spreads
Vulvar cancer can spread (metastasize) to lymph nodes in the groin, vagina and urethra.
Prognosis and survival for vulvar cancer
Prognosis estimates the outcome for vulvar cancer. It depends on many factors including whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, and its stage and tumour size.
Treatments for vulvar cancer
Vulvar cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.
Supportive care for vulvar cancer
Supportive care for vulvar cancer helps people meet physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges.
Vulvar cancer statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from other female genital system cancer in a certain time frame.
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