What is the First Stage of Vulvar Cancer?
The first stage of vulvar cancer is known as Stage 1, which means the cancer is confined only to the vulva and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs. At this stage, the tumor is usually small and limited to the surface layers of the skin or underlying tissues. Because the disease is still localized, Stage 1 vulvar cancer has a very good prognosis when detected and treated early. Symptoms in the first stage can be subtle and often mistaken for common skin conditions or infections. Many women experience persistent itching, burning, pain, redness, thickened skin, or changes in the color or texture of the vulvar area. Some may notice a small lump, wart-like growth, or an open sore that does not heal over time. Since these symptoms may not seem serious at first, medical attention is sometimes delayed, allowing the condition to progress. Diagnosis of Stage 1 vulvar cancer typically involves a physical examination followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer c...