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Symptoms, Screening and Diagnosis of Vulvar Cancer |
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Most patients with vulvar cancer do not have symptoms. However it is possible to notice the following:
- Vulvar itching that does not improve
- A change in skin color around the vulva (more red, lighter or darker than surrounding skin)
- A change in the feel of your skin around the vulva (thicker, scalier, rougher or bumpier)
- Wart-like bump or bumps, ulcers or sores
- Pain when urinating
- Burning or bleeding and discharge not related to your menstrual cycle
- Enlarged glands in your groin
Screening & Diagnosis
Your doctor will take a complete medical history to look for risk factors, then perform a physical exam, including a pelvic examination. Additional tests may include:
- A Pap test, to check cells from the cervix and vagina.
- Colposcopy of the vulva, in which a special instrument is used to magnify your cervix, vagina and vulva. A biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken and examined by a pathologist in the lab.
- Endoscopic tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the rectum or colon. These may include a proctoscopy or cystoscopy.
- Imaging studies such as a chest X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
Read more about Vulvar Cancer
 Request a Consultation with a UCSD Gynecologic Oncology Specialist Using our Online Form
 Call our New Patient Office at (858) 822-6100, or toll-free (866) 773-2703
Gynecologic Cancer Unit
Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |