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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffVulvar cancer is an uncommon cancer of the outer surface area of the female genitalia.
Most vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas — a type of skin cancer — that develop slowly over years. A small number of vulvar cancers begin as melanoma. Rarely, vulvar cancers develop in the mucus-producing glands on the sides of the vaginal opening. The sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV) is believed to play a role in developing this form of vulvar cancer.
Getting regular gynecologic exams may increase your chance of early detection of vulvar cancer, which means a better chance of successful treatment. You may also be able to prevent vulvar cancer by engaging in safe sexual practices, and you may be able to control other risk factors as well.
