Main symptoms of vulval cancer
Symptoms of vulval cancer can affect any part of your vulva, but they're most common on the inner and outer lips (labia) around the opening of your vagina.
Symptoms can include:
- a lump
- a sore, growth (this may look and feel like a wart) or ulcer
- bleeding from your vulva, or blood-stained vaginal discharge, that is not related to your periods
- itching that does not get better
- changes to your skin, such as red, white or dark patches (these may be harder to see on brown or black skin), or an area of thickened or raised skin
- a mole that changes shape or colour
- burning pain when you pee
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- you have any symptoms of vulval cancer
Try not to be embarrassed – the GP will be used to talking about these symptoms.
Important
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have vulval cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.
What happens at the GP appointment
The GP may ask to examine you.
You can ask for a female doctor when you book your appointment. You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your exam if you want.
You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
The GP may:
- look at the area around the opening of your vagina (vulva)
- feel for any lumps on your vulva (they'll be wearing gloves)
- feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy
- gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see your cervix (the opening between your vagina and your womb)
It should not be painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP if you're feeling uncomfortable.
Important
You are in control and can ask the doctor to stop at any time.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms which could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.