Vulvar melanoma is a rare but serious form of cancer that affects the vulva, the external part of the female genitalia. It most commonly occurs in older women, typically those over 60 or 70 years old. Recognizing its early symptoms is crucial because early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.
The earliest signs of vulvar melanoma often involve changes in the skin or tissue of the vulva that may seem subtle at first but gradually become more noticeable. One common early symptom is a **darkly pigmented spot or mole** on the vulva that looks different from usual moles. This lesion may be irregular in shape, uneven in color (with shades of black, brown, blue, red, or even pink), and have asymmetrical borders—meaning one half does not match the other. Unlike benign moles which are usually uniform and symmetrical, melanomas tend to be uneven and can grow larger over time.
In addition to changes in pigmentation:
– The affected area might develop into a **lump**, **nodule**, or an ulcerated sore that does not heal.
– There may be persistent **itching** or a burning sensation localized to one spot on the vulva.
– Some women notice **pain** during urination or sexual intercourse if the lesion irritates surrounding tissues.
– The skin around this area might show unusual redness (erythema) or whitening compared to normal skin tone.
– Occasionally there could be bleeding from this lesion without any obvious injury.
Because these symptoms can resemble other less serious conditions like infections, eczema, psoriasis, benign growths such as seborrheic keratosis (common in older adults), warts caused by HPV infection, or simple irritation due to hygiene products or clothing friction — many women delay seeking medical advice out of embarrassment or assuming it will resolve on its own.
Other subtle signs include:
– A change in texture where previously smooth skin becomes roughened,
– Development of crusting over an existing mole,
– Swelling around a suspicious area,
– Discharge if there’s ulceration present.
It’s important for older women especially to pay attention if any new pigmented lesions appear on their vulva after menopause since hormonal changes do not typically cause new moles at this age; thus new spots warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional.
Early-stage vulvar melanoma lesions are often found on parts like the labia majora but can also occur less frequently on labia minora, clitoris area, perineum (area between vagina and anus), mons pubis (fatty tissue above pubic bone), urethral opening region — anywhere there is pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Because melanomas grow deeper into tissue with time and can spread via lymphatic channels causing metastasis (spread) beyond local sites if untreated promptly — noticing these early warning signs matters greatly for prognosis.
In summary:
If an older woman notices any persistent itching combined with visible changes such as darkening spots with irregular shapes/colors; lumps; sores that don’t heal; pain during urination/sex; bleeding without trauma; swelling; crusting – she should seek prompt gynecologic evaluation. Early diagnosis through physical examination possibly followed by biopsy confirms whether it’s melanoma versus other benign conditions so treatment can begin before progression occurs.