How is vulvar cancer diagnosed?
Any woman who is suspected of having cancer of the vulva should have a complete medical examination. Tests may be necessary in order to know for sure. These are the most common tests doctors use to make a diagnosis of vulvar cancer. Clinical history and physical exam. The doctor will ask questions to learn detailed information about a woman’s symptoms, personal and family history, and risk factors for vulvar cancer. A thorough physical exam includes a Pap test and a pelvic exam. These can also help rule out other problems. HPV test. HPV is short for human papillomavirus. In rare cases, HPV can cause vulvar cells to change and become precancerous. Your doctor can test for HPV at the same time as a Pap test. Colposcopy of the vulva. For this test, the doctor uses a tool called a colposcope. This tool magnifies cells of the cervix, vagina, and vulva. It allows your doctor to select suspicious looking spots of tissue to remove and examine, called a biopsy. Biopsy.
Symptoms of vulvar cancer include abnormal bleeding or discharge, severe burning, itching, or pain in the vulva, or if the skin of the vulva looks white and feels rough. Diagnosis of vulvar cancer is made after a visual and manual examination of the vulva. If something suspicious is observed, a biopsy will be taken from the tissue of the vulva. Usually this can be done as an outpatient. If necessary, the patient may be examined under anesthesia.
