When to worry about a new lump or swelling with vulvar cancer

A change on the vulva may reflect the cancer itself, treatment-related inflammation, an irritated cyst, a blocked gland, infection, or a collection of fluid. Appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Notice whether the area is growing, firm, fixed, warm, tender, ulcerated, or associated with discharge, itching, or bleeding. If you are receiving treatment, tell the oncology team about a new change even when it is small or does not hurt.

Contact the clinician managing your vulvar cancer and describe when the change began, where it is, and how it has changed. Mention fever, drainage, skin breakdown, urinary difficulty, or new pain. Do not squeeze, puncture, shave over, or apply unprescribed creams to the area. Keep the skin gently clean and dry, and follow the wound or radiation-care instructions already provided.

Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, rapidly worsening swelling, trouble passing urine, or difficulty breathing. Contact your cancer team urgently for fever with a hot or red area, pus, spreading redness, uncontrolled pain, or a lump that changes quickly. These signs can indicate infection, bleeding, obstruction, or another problem needing timely examination.

Could this change be related to my cancer, treatment, infection, or a blocked gland? Do I need an examination, imaging, or a sample? Which symptoms should make me call outside clinic hours? How should I protect the skin while it is being assessed?