Living with Vulvar carcinoma
A cancer from abnormal cell growth in the vulva, mostly in adults and older adults.
Understanding Vulvar carcinoma
The vulva includes the vaginal lips, the clitoris, and part of the vagina. GARD says older women and people with human papillomavirus (HPV) have a higher chance of developing it. It mainly affects adults and older adults.
Signs & symptoms
GARD lists these symptoms:
- A lump (mass)
- Itching
- Unusual bleeding
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists, gynecologic cancer specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists and women’s reproductive health specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Foundation for Women's Cancer may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Gynecologic cancer specialists (gynecologic oncologists); Maternal-fetal medicine specialists (pregnancy-related); Women’s reproductive health specialists (obstetricians / gynecologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Foundation for Women's Cancer
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Foundation for Women's Cancer and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the exact cause is unknown, though older women and people with HPV have a higher chance of developing it.
Also known as: carcinoma of mammalian vulva; carcinoma of the vulva; carcinoma of vulva; mammalian vulva carcinoma; vulva carcinoma
Patient organizations
- Foundation for Women's CancerVulvar carcinoma · United States
- HPV AllianceVulvar carcinoma · United States
- American Cancer SocietyGynecological tumors · United States
- SHARE: Cancer SupportGynecological tumors · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Vulvar carcinoma.
Explore research for Vulvar carcinoma
Explore actively recruiting Vulvar carcinoma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Vulvar carcinoma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Vulvar carcinoma studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Vulvar carcinoma
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Vulvar carcinoma experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.