Symptoms of vulval cancer

• itching, burning or soreness of the vulva that doesn’t go away
• a lump, swelling or wart-like growth on the vulva
• thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva
• bleeding, or a blood-stained vaginal discharge, not related to menstruation (periods)
• burning pain when passing urine
• tenderness or pain in the area of the vulva
• a sore or ulcerated area on the vulva
• a mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour.

Any of these symptoms can occur due to conditions other than cancer, but it’s always important to get your doctor to check them.

Cancer of the vulva can take many years to develop. It usually starts with precancerous cells that change slowly over several years into cancerous cells. As with other cancers, it’s easier to treat and cure if it’s diagnosed at an early stage|.