Vulvar Cancer Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Vulvar cancer is a type of gynecologic cancer that affects the vulva, the external female genital area. The vulva includes:

  • Labia majora (outer lips)
  • Labia minora (inner lips)
  • Clitoris

In Grand Rapids and across the U.S., vulvar cancer is relatively uncommon. It accounts for about 3% of all gynecologic cancers and is most often diagnosed in women over age 70. However, more women in their 30s and 40s are now being diagnosed, making awareness and early detection important for women of all ages in West Michigan.

Local gynecologic oncologists at Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and other Grand Rapids hospitals provide specialized diagnosis and treatment for vulvar cancer.

How Vulvar Cancer Develops

Vulvar cancer usually begins on the labia majora, and in about 1 in 10 cases it affects the clitoris. As the cancer grows, it can spread to nearby areas such as:

  • Vagina
  • Urethra and bladder
  • Anus and rectum
  • Groin lymph nodes

If not treated, vulvar cancer can lead to severe infection, pain, and spread (metastasis) to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Vulvar Cancer

In its early stages, vulvar cancer often causes no symptoms. This is because the cancer can be very small and easy to miss. Over time, symptoms may develop and progress.

Early and Progressive Symptoms

Watch for:

  • A lump, bump, or thickened area on the vulva
  • Persistent itching, burning, or tenderness of the vulvar skin
  • Painful area on the vulva that doesn’t go away
  • A sore or ulcer on the vulva that:
    • Looks raw, white, red, or pink
    • Does not heal
    • Slowly gets larger over time
  • Unusual bleeding not related to your period
  • Watery or bloody discharge from the vagina
  • Pain with urination or bowel movements
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin (a lump or swelling on either side of the bikini line)

In more advanced stages, if the cancer has spread, you may notice:

  • Ongoing pelvic or vulvar pain
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Aching bones or generalized pain
  • Changes in bowel or bladder habits, including difficulty passing urine or stool

If you live in Grand Rapids or the surrounding Kent County area and notice any of these symptoms for more than a few weeks, it’s important to see a healthcare provider promptly. Cold Michigan winters can make people delay appointments, but early evaluation is crucial.

Risk Factors for Vulvar Cancer

Not all women with risk factors will develop vulvar cancer, but certain conditions increase risk:

  • Age – most common in postmenopausal women
  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), especially:
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV), including genital warts
    • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
  • Multiple sexual partners (increasing the chance of HPV and other STIs)
  • Smoking
  • Never having children (nulliparity)
  • Chronic vulvar itching (pruritus)
  • Genital warts (HPV infection)
  • History of abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer (squamous cell type)
  • Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) – a pre-cancerous condition
  • Chronic inflammatory skin conditions of the vulva, such as lichen sclerosus

Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VIN)

VIN is a pre-cancerous change in the cells of the vulvar skin. It is uncommon but carries a significant risk of becoming cancerous if left untreated.

  • With proper treatment, most VIN lesions are controlled.
  • However, 5–10% of women treated for VIN may still go on to develop vulvar cancer later.

Because of this, regular follow-up with a gynecologist in Grand Rapids is essential if you have been diagnosed with VIN.

Types of Vulvar Cancer

Vulvar cancers are classified according to the type of cell where they begin:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma
    • Starts in the skin cells of the vulva
    • About 90% of vulvar cancers
  • Melanoma
    • Starts in pigment-producing cells
    • Accounts for about 5% of vulvar cancers
    • In the vulva, this is not related to sun exposure
  • Adenocarcinoma
    • Arises from glands such as the Bartholin’s glands (which provide lubrication)
    • Less than 1% of cases
  • Basal cell carcinoma
    • A form of skin cancer
    • Rare on the vulva
  • Sarcoma
    • Arises from supporting tissues (muscle, connective tissue)
    • Very rare
  • Lymphoma
    • Originates from immune system cells
    • Very rare in the vulva

Specialized pathology services in Grand Rapids hospitals help determine the exact type of vulvar cancer, which guides treatment.

How Vulvar Cancer Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

If you see a Grand Rapids gynecologist or primary care provider with symptoms, they may:

Medical History and Physical Exam

  • Ask about your symptoms, sexual history, smoking, and prior cervical or vulvar conditions
  • Perform a pelvic and vulvar examination

Colposcopy and Biopsy

  • Use a colposcope (a special microscope) to closely examine the vulvar skin
  • Apply special solutions to highlight abnormal areas (such as VIN or early cancer)
  • Take a biopsy (small sample of tissue) from any suspicious sore, lump, or thickened area
    • Usually done with local anesthesia in the office or clinic

If cancer is confirmed, imaging tests (such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI) may be done at local centers like Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, or Metro Health to determine the stage (extent) of disease.

Treatment Options for Vulvar Cancer

Treatment in Grand Rapids is tailored to the type, size, location, stage, and your overall health. Care is usually coordinated by a gynecologic oncologist.

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment and may include:

  • Wide local excision
    • Removal of the cancer and a margin of normal tissue
  • Partial or radical vulvectomy
    • Removal of part or all of the vulva
    • May include removal of groin lymph nodes on one or both sides
  • Clitoral-sparing surgery whenever possible
    • The clitoris may or may not need to be removed, depending on tumor location

Minimally invasive approaches and reconstructive techniques are often used to preserve function and appearance as much as possible.

Radiation Therapy

  • Uses precisely targeted X-rays to kill cancer cells
  • May be used:
    • Before surgery to shrink a tumor
    • After surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence
    • Instead of surgery if surgery would be too extensive or if you are not a surgical candidate

Radiation therapy is available at major Grand Rapids cancer centers, including those affiliated with Corewell Health and Trinity Health.

Chemotherapy

  • Uses cancer-killing drugs that travel through the bloodstream
  • May be used:
    • With radiation (chemoradiation) to increase its effectiveness
    • To treat advanced or metastatic vulvar cancer that has spread beyond the vulva
  • Helps control secondary cancers because it treats the whole body

Your oncology team in Grand Rapids will discuss side effects and supportive care options to help manage treatment.

When a Cure for Vulvar Cancer Isn’t Possible

If vulvar cancer is diagnosed at a very advanced stage or has spread extensively, a cure may not be possible. In these cases, treatment focuses on:

  • Relieving pain and other symptoms
  • Improving quality of life
  • Supporting emotional and practical needs

This is called palliative care. Palliative care is available through local programs in Grand Rapids hospitals and community services, and can be provided alongside treatments like radiation or chemotherapy.

Reducing Your Risk of Vulvar Cancer in Grand Rapids

While not all cases can be prevented, you can lower your risk with these strategies:

1. Prevent and Treat STIs

  • Practice safer sex:
    • Use condoms or dental dams
    • Limit number of sexual partners
  • Get HPV vaccination (recommended for many adults up to age 45—ask your provider)
  • Get tested and treated for STIs through:
    • Your GP/primary care provider
    • Grand Rapids Public Health or Kent County Health Department clinics

2. Don’t Smoke

  • Smoking is a known risk factor for vulvar cancer.
  • Ask your Grand Rapids provider about smoking cessation programs, nicotine replacement, or counseling.

3. Pay Attention to Vulvar Symptoms

  • Don’t ignore chronic vulvar itching or irritation.
  • Don’t repeatedly self-treat presumed “yeast infections” with over-the-counter creams if symptoms keep returning.
  • See your doctor or gynecologist for an exam and appropriate tests.

4. Have Regular Gynecologic Check-Ups

  • Schedule regular pelvic exams and Pap/HPV tests as recommended for your age and history.
  • If you have VIN, cervical abnormalities, or HPV, follow up closely with your specialist.

5. Learn Self-Examination

If you are at higher risk (history of VIN, HPV, cervical abnormalities, smoking), ask your GP or gynecologist in Grand Rapids to show you how to:

  • Visually inspect the vulva with a mirror
  • Recognize new lumps, sores, color changes, or thickened patches

Report any changes that last longer than 2–3 weeks.

Local Vulvar Cancer Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are worried about symptoms, have been diagnosed with VIN, or have vulvar cancer, there are local resources that can help.

Medical Care

  • Your GP / Primary Care Provider
  • Gynecologist or Gynecologic Oncologist at:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) – Grand Rapids
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health and affiliated clinics

Public Health and Screening

  • Kent County Health Department
    • Offers STI testing, HPV vaccination, and women’s health services
  • Grand Rapids Public Health programs
    • Check for low-cost or sliding-scale clinics

Cancer Support Services in Michigan

  • Hospital-based oncology social workers and nurse navigators
  • Local and statewide cancer support organizations offering:
    • Counseling
    • Support groups (in-person and virtual)
    • Help with transportation and financial concerns

Ask your oncology team in Grand Rapids for a referral to local or Michigan-wide cancer support services.

Key Points About Vulvar Cancer

  • The most common site for vulvar cancer is the labia majora; about 1 in 10 cases affects the clitoris.
  • Without treatment, vulvar cancer can cause severe infection, pain, and spread to other organs.
  • In its early stages, vulvar cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular exams are important.
  • As it progresses, symptoms may include:
    • A lump or bump on the vulva
    • Itching, pain, or a sore that doesn’t heal
    • Unusual bleeding or discharge
    • Swollen groin lymph nodes
  • Early diagnosis and treatment at Grand Rapids hospitals and clinics offer the best chance for cure and preserving quality of life.

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and notice persistent vulvar changes, contact your healthcare provider promptly for evaluation. Early attention can make a significant difference in outcomes.