Every patient has access to a gynaecology cancer nurse specialist team from the time of diagnosis. There are many teams around Yorkshire. You will be given the names and contact details of the nurse specialists in your area.
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms of vulval cancer are:
- Itching, burning or soreness of the vulva that doesn’t go away
- A lump, swelling or wart-like growth on the vulva
- Thickened, raised, red, white or dark patches on the skin of theÌývulva
- Bleeding, or a blood-stained vaginal discharge, not related toÌýmenstruation (periods)
- Burning pain when passing urine
- Tenderness or pain in the area of the vulva
- A sore or ulcerated area on the vulva
- A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour.
All of these symptoms can happen with conditions other than cancer, but it’s always important to get your doctor to check them.
Vulval cancer can take many years to develop. It usually starts with pre-cancerous cells that change slowly over several years into cancerous cells. As with other cancers, it’s easier to treat and cure if it’s diagnosed at an early stage.
Diagnostic tests
Investigations that may be recommended to obtain a diagnosis can include:Ìý
- A pelvic examination in the clinic
- Blood tests
- CT scanÌý
- MRI scan
- PET Scan
- Ultrasound scan – this is a procedure which involves examining a part of the body with an ultrasound machine
- Ultrasound scan with a biopsy – this is a procedure which involves examining a part of the body with an ultrasound machine and aÌýbiopsy is required a needle is inserted through the skin to take away a small amount of tissue
- Hysteroscopy
- ColposcopyÌý – this is a procedure to find out whether there are abnormal cells on the cervix (neck of the womb). It is usually carried out if there has been an abnormal smear. A microscope (colposcope) with a strong light is used to look at the cervix. The colposcope doesn’t enter the vagina and remains outside the body. Different liquids are dabbed onto the cervix to help identify any areas of abnormal cells. If an abnormal area is found then a small sample of tissue (biopsy) will be taken from the surface of the cervix. A biopsy is about the size of a pinhead. It can cause slight stinging and it should not be painful. The procedure is usually carried out in the out-patient department, while you are awake
- Examination Under Anaesthetic (EUA) – this is a day case operation where examination of the vagina, cervix and occasionally the bladder are carried out under a general anaesthetic. Biopsies may be taken from these areas.
Once theÌýdiagnosis is known patients are seen in clinic by a gynaecology cancer specialist to provideÌýinformation about the type of gynaecological cancer and potential treatment plan.
Treatments
The treatment options for vulvalÌýcancer can include the following on their own or in combination:
Surgery
Radiotherapy
- TheÌýradiotherapyÌýdepartmentÌýat Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ Cancer Centre
Drug therapyÌý
- TheÌýchemotherapyÌýservice at Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ Cancer Centre
When treatment is complete a member of the teamÌýwill discuss what happens next.ÌýÌý
Living with and beyond cancer
All patients are provided with information about side effects of treatment.
It is important to report any new symptoms
- Itching, burning, soreness or pain of vulva
- Any lumps, bumps in or around vulva
- Bleeding or blood-stained vaginal discharge
- Any lumps or swelling in the groin
- Swelling of the legs
- Unexplained aches & pains or discomfort
The gynaecologyÌýcancer nurse specialist teamÌýcan be contacted on 0113 2067820 or e-mailÌý[email protected]