Tests and next steps for vulval cancer

Main tests for vulval cancer

If you have symptoms of vulval cancer, you'll usually be referred for a test to have a closer look at the area around the opening of your vagina (your vulva). This is called a vulvoscopy.

You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.

You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your vulvoscopy if you want.

During a vulvoscopy:

1. The specialist nurse or doctor will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, knees up and legs apart. You may be asked to rest your legs on supports.
2. They'll use a magnifier called a colposcope (similar to a microscope) to look closely at your vulva from the outside. This will help them find any small changes that may be difficult to see.
3. They may also need to look inside your vagina and womb. If they do, they'll gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina so they can see your cervix with the colposcope.
4. If the nurse or doctor sees anything unusual, they'll usually collect a small sample of cells (biopsy) to send to a laboratory. They'll give you an injection of local anaesthetic first, to numb your vulva.

It should not be painful, but you may find it uncomfortable. Talk to the nurse or doctor if you're feeling uncomfortable.

If you had a biopsy, you may have a small amount of bleeding or soreness afterwards.

Getting your results

It can take several weeks to get the results of your vulvoscopy and biopsy.

You may be asked to go to the hospital to get your results, or they may be sent to you in the post.

Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not mean anything is wrong.

You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried and they may be able to update you if your results are ready.

A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next. You may want to bring someone with you for support.

If you're told you have vulval cancer

Being told you have vulval cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.

It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.

A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.

This will include a clinical nurse specialist, who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.

You can ask them any questions you have.

Next steps

If you've been told you have vulval cancer, you'll usually need more tests.

These, along with the vulvoscopy and biopsy, will help the specialists find out the type of vulval cancer, the size of the cancer, and how far it's spread (called the stage).

You may need:

• blood tests
• scans, such as a CT scan, MRI scan or PET scan

You may not have all these tests.

The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on what treatment is best for you.