Experts in Vulvar Cancer Care
If you have vulvar cancer, your outcomes are likely to be better if a gynecologic oncologist treats you from the beginning. Fred Hutch Cancer Center has more gynecologic oncologists than any other medical center or clinic in the Pacific Northwest. Your Fred Hutch gynecologic oncologist and pathologist specialize in finding out the stage and specific features of your disease. They will design a custom treatment plan to achieve the best possible outcome for you. To treat the whole patient, we integrate supportive care services into your cancer treatment.
Our vulvar cancer experts provide all standard therapies for this disease. We know how to choose the right ones for you and how to deliver them to give you the best chance at a full recovery. Our physicians and researchers also do clinical trials (also called clinical studies). Through these trials, we are able to offer you therapies that aren’t offered everywhere.
Where you are treated matters. Coming to Fred Hutch after a vulvar cancer diagnosis means you are now at the center of one of the most experienced, research-driven, comprehensive cancer care centers in the country.
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Vulvar Cancer Care
At Fred Hutch, we combine compassionate care with innovative research to address the impact of cancer and infectious disease. We’re driven by the urgency of our patients, the hope of our community and our passion for discovery to pursue scientific breakthroughs and healthier lives for every person.
Understanding Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is cancer of the external female sexual organs. It is a rare disease, affecting only about one-half of 1% of all Americans diagnosed with cancer each year. If detected early, before it has spread to the lymph nodes, the chances of a cure are high — about 86%. Most vulvar cancers are a type of skin cancer. But sometimes a tumor in the vulva starts from glandular structures in that part of the body.
Vulvar Cancer FAQ
Your primary care provider is a good place to start if you have questions or concerns about your risk for getting cancer. They can also help with any symptoms that might be from cancer or another condition. Before you visit your provider, write down your questions. Bring the list to your appointment.
If you’re concerned about risk, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- Do I have any risk factors for cancer?
- Is there any reason to think I’m at higher risk than the average person?
- If I am at higher risk, what does this mean for me?
- Do I need any tests or procedures to check for cancer even if I feel fine?
- Is there anything I can do to lower my risk?
If you have symptoms that concern you, here are some questions to ask:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do these symptoms mean I might have a serious condition?
- How can we find out the cause?
- Do I need any tests?
- What should I do if my symptoms don’t get better or if I get new symptoms?
Vulvar cancer starts when cells (usually in the skin but sometimes in glands) grow out of control. Normally, cells in the body grow and multiply to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells get old or damaged, they die and are replaced. Sometimes, this normal process breaks down. Abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t, forming tumors. Some tumors are cancer, and others are benign (noncancerous).
Vulvar cancer spreads by growing into, or invading, nearby tissues. If the cancer cells invade nearby lymph nodes or blood vessels, they can travel through the lymph or blood to distant parts in the body. Then they can form new tumors in these places.
When physicians and scientists talk about cancer survival rates, they typically mean the percentage of people expected to survive their cancer for at least five years after being diagnosed. (The rate doesn’t include the risk of dying during that time for some other reason.) Overall, the relative five-year survival rate for vulvar cancer in the United States is about 70%, according to data from the National Cancer Institute.
These rates come from looking at a large, varied group of people. The chance of surviving cancer at least five years can vary greatly from one person to another. It depends on many factors, like how far the cancer has spread. Your Fred Hutch care team can explain how statistics like survival rates might apply to you.
Learn more about vulvar cancer survival rates.
The Fred Hutch patient and family education team works with other Fred Hutch experts to create reliable resources and select materials from trusted cancer organizations. Find a resource.
