What are the symptoms and signs of vulvar cancer?
Cancer of the vulva (the outer, visible portion of the female genitals) is rare. It usually occurs in women over 50 years of age, but 15 percent of the time, cases appear in women under age 40. Patients usually have long term itching or feel a mass or tumor. A painful ulcer may be present. A persistent wart should arouse suspicion. Often, women delay seeking treatment for up to 16 months. Women should examine their vulva periodically with a mirror and talk to their doctor immediately if they suspect a problem. A doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy done under local anesthesia.
