The vulva is the outer part of a woman s vagina. The vulva includes two prominent skin folds known as the labia majora, and two more delicate, barely visible, hairless skin folds called the labia minora. This type of cancer usually forms slowly over many years, and is usually preceded by precancerous changes that may last for several years. VIN is often divided into three categories - VIN1, VIN2, and VIN3, with the last indicating furthest progression toward a true cancer. Not all women with VIN or dysplasia will develop vulvar cancer.
Melanomas develop from the pigment-producing cells that determine the skin s color.
Unlike other cancers of the vulva, vulvar sarcomas can occur at any age. Link to the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. For details about how to make an appointment, click here . This web site is an informational service and is not intended to replace your doctor.