Vulval cancer — recognition and referral ⚠️ 🌸
🧠 Clinical mechanism: Vulval squamous malignancy often presents as a persistent lesion; delayed identification can lead to advanced disease.
🔎 Recognise
- Unexplained vulval ulcer, lump, persistent bleeding, skin change or focal itching, especially if persistent.
🛟 First assessment and action
- Examine sensitively with consent and chaperone; explain and arrange suspected cancer pathway referral when NICE criteria are met.
🧪 Investigations and reassessment
- Specialist vulval assessment and biopsy, not empirical repeated antifungal courses without review.
⚠️ Pitfall / escalation
- NICE NG12 recommends considering suspected cancer referral for unexplained vulval lump, ulceration or bleeding.
UK reference: Primary NHS/NICE/RCOG/GMC source.
Editorial draft, 7 November 2026: targeted source-supported educational summary, NOT independent consultant/pharmacist verification or a treatment protocol. Follow up-to-date BNF, NICE and local NHS pathways.
Related: Vulval itching and lesions · Vulval/vaginal lump · Ovarian Cancer