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Dana-Farber Brigham and Women's Cancer Center Banner

Gynecologic Cancer Treatment Center

Diseases Treated

Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancer is an uncommon malignancy, representing approximately 3 to 5 percent of cancers of the female reproductive organs. The most common symptoms are itching and a "lump" on the vulva. Biopsy or removal of the lump and examination of the tissues under the microscope confirms the diagnosis. Treatment for vulvar cancer is determined by how advanced the cancer is at the time the diagnosis is made. If the cancer is small, often it can be removed safely. The lymph tissues in the groin region are often removed as well to check for spread of the problem. If there is any spread, often radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments are used. If the cancer is large at the time of diagnosis, radiation treatments are used at the beginning of therapy. Surgery is reserved for removal of any cancer that may remain after radiation treatment is completed.

Learn more about vulvar cancer