Early symptoms of vulvar cancer in elderly women often begin subtly and can be mistaken for less serious conditions, which makes awareness crucial. The earliest signs typically include persistent itching or irritation in the vulvar area that does not go away with usual treatments. Women may notice changes in the skin of the vulva, such as patches that become thickened, raised, or change color—appearing redder, whiter, darker, or even pinkish compared to the surrounding skin. These skin changes can sometimes look like a rash, warts, or other benign skin conditions.
Another common early symptom is the appearance of a small lump, bump, or growth on the vulva, which can resemble a skin tag. This lump may sometimes ulcerate, leading to an open sore that does not heal. Bleeding or discharge from the vulva, especially if unexplained and persistent, is also a warning sign. Some women experience pain or soreness in the vulvar area, which can be constant or occur during activities such as urination or sexual intercourse. Burning pain when passing urine may also be reported.
Because these symptoms can mimic infections or inflammatory conditions like yeast infections, contact dermatitis, or lichen sclerosus, they are often initially treated with antifungal, steroid, or hormone creams without improvement. If symptoms persist despite such treatments, it is important to seek further medical evaluation.
In some cases, a mole on the vulva may change in shape, size, or color, which could indicate melanoma, a type of vulvar cancer. Additionally, swelling or lumps in the groin area may occur if the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes.
Elderly women may delay seeking medical advice due to embarrassment or assuming symptoms are part of normal aging, but early detection is vital. A thorough examination by a healthcare professional, including a biopsy of any suspicious lesion, is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. Early-stage vulvar cancer often starts in the outer lips (labia majora) or inner lips (labia minora) of the vulva but can also affect the clitoris or Bartholin’s glands.
Because vulvar cancer can develop slowly, sometimes preceded by a condition called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), which is not cancer but can progress to it, recognizing and addressing early symptoms is key to prevention and successful treatment. Persistent itching, skin changes, sores, lumps, bleeding, and pain in the vulvar area in elderly women should never be ignored and warrant prompt medical attention.