Vulvar Cancer

Expert-reviewed information summary about the treatment of vulvar cancer.Vulvar Cancer (PDQ®): TreatmentVulvar Cancer Treatment

General Information About Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the vulva.

Vulvar cancer forms in a woman's external genitalia. The vulva includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris (sensitive tissue between the lips), and the opening of the vagina and its glands.

Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer vaginal lips. Less often, cancer affects the inner vaginal lips or the clitoris.

Vulvar cancer usually develops slowly over a period of years. Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time. This precancerous condition is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) or dysplasia. Because it is possible for VIN or dysplasia to develop into vulvar cancer, treatment of this condition is very important.

HPV infection and older age can affect the risk of developing vulvar cancer.

Risk factors include the following:

Having human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Older age.