Vulvar cancer symptoms

Women with invasive vulvar cancer may experience symptoms such as:

• A red, pink or white bump(s) that has a raw or wart-like surface
• A white area that feels rough
• Persistent itching
• Pain, or a burning feeling while urinating
• Bleeding and discharge not associated with menstruation
• An open sore or ulcer that lasts more than a month

Women with the verrucous carcinoma subtype of squamous cell vulvar cancer may notice a cauliflower-like growth similar to a genital wart. Bartholin gland cancer is usually associated with a lump on either side of the opening to the vagina, although this may also be a simple cyst. Women with Paget’s disease of the vulva often complain of soreness, and a red, scaly area. Paget’s disease is a form of skin cancer in which adenocarcinoma cells have been detected in the skin.

Next topic: What are the types of vulvar cancer?