If vulvar cancer spreads

Cancer cells can spread from the vulva to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If vulvar cancer spreads, it can spread to the following:

  • lymph nodes in the groin (called inguinal nodes) on the same side of the body as the tumour or to the lymph nodes on both sides of the groin
  • vagina
  • urethra
  • bladder
  • anus
  • rectum
  • the pubic bone
  • lymph nodes in the pelvis
  • lung
  • bone
  • liver

Expert review and references

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology. Vulvar Cancer. 2015.
  • Klopp AH, Eifel PJ, Berek JS, Konstantinopoulos PA. Cancer of the cervix, vagina and vulva. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 72:1013-1047.
  • Levine DA, Dizon DS, Yashar CM, Barakat RR, Berchuch A, Markman M, Randall ME. Handbook for Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2015.
  • National Cancer Institute. Vulvar Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) Health Professional Version. 2017. https://www.cancer.gov/types/vulvar/hp/vulvar-treatment-pdq#section/all.

Medical disclaimer

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