Symptoms of vulval cancer

The most common symptoms of cancer of the vulva are:

• itching, burning and soreness of the vulva
• a lump, swelling or wart-like growth
• thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulva
• bleeding, or a blood-stained vaginal discharge
• burning pain when passing urine
• 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 be due to conditions other than cancer, but always get your doctor to check them.

Cancer of the vulva can take many years to develop as it usually grows slowly. As with other cancers, it's easier to treat and cure if it's diagnosed at an early stage.