Vulvar cancer refers to an abnormal, cancerous growth in the external female genitalia.

Vulvar cancer is a rare disease that occurs mainly in elderly women. The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, which includes the labia (Latin for lips), the opening of the vagina, the clitoris, and the space between the vagina and anus (perineum). Vulvar cancer can affect any part of the female genitalia, but usually affects the labia. There are two pairs of labia. The labia meet to protect the openings of the vagina and urethra (the tube that connects to the bladder). The outer, most prominent folds of skin are called labia majora, and the smaller, inner skin folds are called labia minora.

Most vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cells are the main cell type of the skin. Squamous cell carcinoma often begins at the edges of the labia majora...