What should you know about melanoma in the vulva area?

The vulva naturally contains areas of different colour, and irritation, infection, hormonal changes, or benign moles can also alter its appearance. A new or changing dark patch, uneven border, thickened area, persistent itch, bleeding, ulcer, or lump should be examined. The clinician may inspect the vulva and groin, use magnification, and remove a small sample or the whole lesion for pathology. This distinguishes melanoma from other vulval conditions.

Arrange a visit with a gynaecologist, dermatologist, or vulval specialist and explain the change in your own words. Avoid harsh soaps, picking, or self-treating a lesion with steroid or bleaching products unless prescribed. Bring a list of medicines and note bleeding, pain, itching, discharge, or growth. Confirmed melanoma may be treated with surgical excision or wider tumour surgery; lymph-node assessment and immunotherapy depend on the pathology and stage.

Seek prompt care for a vulval lesion that bleeds, ulcerates, grows, becomes painful, or causes persistent itching. Get urgent help for heavy bleeding, inability to pass urine, rapidly increasing swelling, fever after a biopsy, or severe pain. These symptoms can arise from several conditions, so an examination is needed rather than assuming the cause.

Ask where the lesion is located, whether a biopsy or complete removal is advised, how wound care may affect sitting or urination, and whether groin lymph nodes need assessment. Ask when pathology will be available and which follow-up symptoms should be reported.