Getting diagnosed with vulval cancer
Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to vulval cancer. Depending on your symptoms and other factors, this might be an urgent referral.
You will get your appointment as soon as possible. Due to COVID-19, you may have to wait longer. Ask your GP when this is likely to be.
Find out about the symptoms of vulval cancer
It can be hard for GPs to decide who may have cancer and who might have a more minor condition.
For some vulval symptoms, your doctor may ask you to wait to see if the symptoms get better or respond to treatment. For example, you might have an infection called thrush. Do go back if you have been prescribed treatment and your symptoms are continuing or getting worse.
There are guidelines for GPs to help them decide who needs a referral. The following is a summary. Your GP will use these guidelines as well as their own experience and judgement.
You should have an urgent referral to a specialist if you have:
an unexplained vulval lump or sore (ulceration)
bleeding from the vulva
It's important to remember that vulval cancer is rare. Most cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 65. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, and do not necessarily mean that you have cancer. But it is important to get them checked out.
Sometimes you might feel that your GP is not concerned enough about your symptoms. If you think they should be more concerned, print this page and the symptoms page. Ask your GP to explain why they don’t think you need a referral.
Contact your GP again if your symptoms don't get better or you notice any new or unusual symptoms.
If your GP has referred you, ask them when you should get your appointment. Contact them again if you don’t get one. Or some hospitals have a referral service you could try contacting if you know which hospital you are going to. Explain that you are waiting for an urgent suspected cancer referral.
Go to more information about an urgent referral, what to expect and questions to ask
If you see a specialist they will want to examine you and may do several tests.
Find out more about tests you might have to diagnose vulval cancer
Last reviewed: 29 Aug 2025
Next review due: 29 Aug 2028
Not everyone diagnosed with vulval cancer will have symptoms. Things to look out for include an open sore or lesion in the vulva.
Your GP will ask about your general health and any symptoms you might have. They may also examine you to look for any changes or lumps in the vulval area.
An urgent suspected cancer referral includes tests or referral to a hospital doctor. This to investigate your symptoms and find out if it could be cancer.
You have a number of tests to find out if you have vulval cancer. These include a vulval examination and a biopsy.
Your treatment depends on a number of factors. Surgery is the most common treatment for vulval cancer.
Vulval cancer is a rare cancer. It can start in any part of the female external sex organs, the vulva. The treatment you need depends on how big the cancer is and whether it has spread.
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
