The vulva

The vulva is the area of skin between a woman’s legs and is made up of all the visible sex organs. It consists of two outer lips (the labia majora), which are covered in pubic hair and surround two inner lips (the labia minora), which are thin and delicate.

A diagram of the vulva

At the front of the vulva is a small structure (the clitoris) that helps women reach a sexual climax (orgasm). Just behind the clitoris is the opening through which women pass urine (the urethra), and just behind this is the birth canal (vagina). The opening to the back passage (anus) is close to the vulva, but separate from it. The area of skin between the vulva and the anus is called the perineum. These structures are all visible from outside the body.

In the groin, where the skin creases at the top of each leg, there are lymph nodes. These are part of the lymphatic system. This system is an important part of the body’s natural defence against disease. The lymph nodes can become swollen if they are affected by an infection or cancer.

Vulval cancer can occur on any part of the external female sex organs. The inner edges of the labia majora and the labia minora are the most common areas for it to develop. Less often, cancer may also involve the clitoris, or the Bartholin glands. These are small glands, one on each side of the vagina. Cancer can also sometimes affect the perineum.