Noticing symptoms
Cancers and other diseases can cause symptoms. These are changes in your body that you notice. Examples of symptoms are having a cough, a pain or a lump.
Symptoms can be caused by many illnesses, not just cancer, but it is always best to have them checked out by a GP.
What you need to know
Symptoms of vulvar cancer
Some women with vulvar cancer have no symptoms early in their illness. Others have vague symptoms that can seem like other illnesses.
Symptoms that can be caused by vulvar cancer include:
- a lump in the vulvar area
- itching, pain, soreness or burning in the vulvar area
- a sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal
- a mole on the vulvar that has changed shape and colour
- unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
- thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of the vulvar.
Most symptoms are not caused by cancer, but if you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP.
Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns. Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns. Cancers that are diagnosed early can be easier to treat.
Other resources we recommend
Use the following links to find out more about this topic.
Vulvar cancer – symptoms
https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/womens-cancers-pre-cancers/vulvar-cancer/
Symptoms of vulvar cancer
https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/vulvar/signs-and-symptoms
Understanding Vulvar Cancer
https://www.cancervic.org.au/downloads/CISS_factsheets/Understanding_Vulvar_Cancer.pdf
Next steps
What to do if you have symptoms
If you have symptoms that you are worried about, even if they seem minor, you should go to see a GP. Don't be embarrassed to bring up your concerns.
Remember, cancers that are found earlier can be easier to treat.