Overview
Vulvar adenocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the glandular (mucus-producing) cells of the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genitalia. Unlike the more common squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, this type arises from gland tissue and can develop in several locations, including Bartholin's glands (small glands near the vaginal opening), sweat glands in the skin of the vulva, or from tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine (a condition called Paget's disease of the vulva with underlying adenocarcinoma). It may also sometimes spread to the vulva from a cancer that started elsewhere, such as the rectum or cervix. This cancer can cause noticeable changes in the vulvar area, including lumps, sores, itching, or unusual discharge. Because the vulva is an area many people feel uncomfortable discussing, diagnosis is often delayed. Early detection is important because the cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body if not treated promptly. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, and may also include radiation therapy and chemotherapy depending on how advanced the cancer is. A team of specialists works together to plan the best care. While this is a serious condition, many people do well when it is caught early and treated appropriately.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
A lump, bump, or thickening in the vulvar areaPersistent itching or burning of the vulvaPain or tenderness in the vulvar regionA sore or ulcer on the vulva that does not healUnusual discharge from the vulva or nearby glandsBleeding not related to menstruationSkin color changes or a rash on the vulvaSwelling in the groin area (possibly swollen lymph nodes)A feeling of pressure or fullness near the vaginal openingPain during sexual intercourse
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Vulvar adenocarcinoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Vulvar adenocarcinoma at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Rare Disease Specialist
Rare Disease Specialist
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Vulvar adenocarcinoma.
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options and outlook?,Should I be tested for Lynch syndrome or another hereditary cancer condition?,What type of surgery do you recommend, and how will it affect the appearance and function of my vulva?,Will I need radiation or chemotherapy in addition to surgery, and what side effects should I expect?,Am I a candidate for immunotherapy, and how would we know if it might work for me?,What follow-up schedule do you recommend after treatment to watch for recurrence?,Are there clinical trials I should consider, and where can I find a specialist with experience in this rare cancer?
Common questions about Vulvar adenocarcinoma
What is Vulvar adenocarcinoma?
Vulvar adenocarcinoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the glandular (mucus-producing) cells of the vulva, which is the outer part of the female genitalia. Unlike the more common squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva, this type arises from gland tissue and can develop in several locations, including Bartholin's glands (small glands near the vaginal opening), sweat glands in the skin of the vulva, or from tissue that resembles the lining of the intestine (a condition called Paget's disease of the vulva with underlying adenocarcinoma). It may also sometimes spread to the vulva from a cance
How is Vulvar adenocarcinoma inherited?
Vulvar adenocarcinoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Vulvar adenocarcinoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Vulvar adenocarcinoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Vulvar adenocarcinoma?
19 specialists and care centers treating Vulvar adenocarcinoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.