The vulva
What is the vulva?
The structure of the vulva
The vulva is made up of:
- 2 thin, delicate folds of skin called the labia minora
- 2 large, hair-covered folds called the labia majora – these surround the labia minora.
Between the labia are 2 openings:
- the entrance of the vagina – this is the birth canal
- the opening of the urethra – this is the tube that drains urine from the bladder.
At the front of the vulva is the outer tip of the clitoris. The clitoris is a sensitive structure that helps with sexual response and orgasm.
On either side of the vagina are 2 small glands called Bartholin’s glands. These make a fluid that acts as a lubricant during sex.
Above the vulva is an area of fatty tissue called the mons pubis.
Further back, in between the buttocks, is the opening to the back passage (anus). The area of skin between the anus and vulva is called the perineum.
The area where the skin creases at the top of each leg is called the groin. There are lymph nodes under the skin of the groin. These are part of the body’s lymphatic system.
The vulva and lymph nodes
Vulval cancer and the lymphatic system
The lymphatic system helps to protect us from infection and disease. It also drains lymph fluid from the tissues of the body before returning it to the blood. The lymphatic system is made up of fine tubes called lymphatic vessels that connect to groups of lymph nodes throughout the body.
Lymph nodes are small and bean shaped. They are sometimes called lymph glands. They filter bacteria (germs) and disease from the lymph fluid. When you have an infection, lymph nodes often swell as they fight the infection.
Sometimes, cancer can spread through the lymphatic system. If vulval cancer spreads in this way, it is most likely to affect the lymph nodes in the groin.
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our vulval cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Morrison J, Baldwin P, Hanna L, Andreou A, Buckley L, Durrant L, et al. British Gynaecological Cancer Society (BGCS) vulval cancer guidelines: An update on recommendations for practice 2023. European Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology. 2024;292: 210–238. Available from: www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.11.013 [accessed July 2026].
The Royal College of Radiographers. The Royal College of Radiologists expert panel recommendations for radiotherapy treatment for vulval cancer. 2024. Available from: www.rcr.ac.uk/media/l1zjohkm/rcr-vulval-cancer-treatment-recommendations.pdf [accessed July 2026]
Date reviewed
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The language we use
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We want our information to be as clear as possible. To do this, we try to:
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We use gender-inclusive language and talk to our readers as ‘you’ so that everyone feels included. Where clinically necessary we use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’. For example, we do so when talking about parts of the body or mentioning statistics or research about who is affected.
You can read more about how we produce our information here.