Read article Tests for vulval cancer
This page tells you about tests for vulval cancer. There are sections on
Seeing your GP
If you are concerned about vulval cancer or have symptoms, it is usual to begin by seeing your family doctor. Your GP will examine you and ask about your general health and any symptoms you may be having. If your doctor feels that you need some tests, he or she will refer you to a specialist at your local hospital.
At the hospital
When you first see the specialist, they will ask about your medical history and symptoms. The specialist will then arrange for you to have tests if necessary.
Biopsies
Your doctor may want you to have a biopsy. This means removing a sample of the tissue from the affected area of the vulva. The tissue is then looked at under a microscope to see if you have VIN (precancerous changes) or vulval cancer. If you do have vulval cancer, the biopsy will show which type of vulval cancer it is.
You may have an excision biopsy. This is a minor operation that is often done under local anaesthetic. Sometimes the doctor needs to use a general anaesthetic, in which case you might need to stay in hospital overnight.
Another type of biopsy that doctors use is called a punch biopsy. They use an instrument that looks like a tiny apple corer. It removes a small piece of skin. You won't need any stitches afterwards.
You can view and print the quick guides for all the pages in the Diagnosing vulval cancer section.
If you are concerned about vulval cancer or have symptoms, it is usual to begin by seeing your family doctor. Your GP will examine you and ask about your general health and any symptoms you may be having. This will include what they are and how long you have had them. If your doctor feels that you need some tests, he or she will refer you to a specialist at your local hospital. This may be a specialist in woman's diseases (a gynaecologist) or a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).
When you first see the specialist, they will ask about your medical history and symptoms. The specialist will then arrange for you to have tests if necessary.
Your doctor may want you to have a biopsy. This means removing a sample of tissue from the affected area of the vulva. The tissue is then looked at under a microscope and can help to show whether you have VIN (precancerous changes) or vulval cancer. If you do have vulval cancer, looking at the cells under the microscope will show which type of vulval cancer it is. You may have
- An excision biopsy
- A vulval biopsy
- A punch biopsy
An excision biopsy is a minor operation where the affected area is removed. But doctors can often do them under local anaesthetic in the outpatient clinic. Sometimes they need to use general anaesthetic to take a biopsy. If so, you might need to stay in hospital overnight. This will depend on how well you recover from the anaesthetic and the time of day you have it. The earlier it is, the more time you'll have to get over the anaesthetic before you go home.
A vulval biopsy is similar to an excision biopsy, but only part of the affected area is removed. Sometimes the surgeon may remove part of the edge of the affected area. This is so that normal tissue can be compared to the abnormal area next to it.
Another type of biopsy doctors use is called a punch biopsy. They use an instrument that looks like a tiny apple corer. It removes a small piece of skin. You won't need any stitches afterwards.
You may have some discomfort during any of these types of biopsy. Afterwards, you may have slight bleeding for a few days. This is nothing to worry about. But do tell your doctor if the bleeding is heavy. You may also have some soreness for a few days. Mild painkillers and warm baths can help.
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