Overview
Vulvar basal cell carcinoma (also called vulvar BCC or basal cell cancer of the vulva) is a rare type of skin cancer that develops on the outer female genitalia, known as the vulva. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer overall, but it very rarely appears on the vulva — making this a particularly uncommon condition. The cancer starts in the basal cells, which are the deepest layer of the outer skin. It tends to grow slowly and usually stays in the local area without spreading to other parts of the body, which is one reason it is often considered less aggressive than other cancers. The most common symptoms include a sore, lump, or ulcer on the vulva that does not heal, along with itching, bleeding, or a change in the skin's appearance. Many people notice a pearly or flesh-colored bump, or a flat scar-like area. Because the vulva is not a typical location for basal cell carcinoma, diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the tumor, and when caught early, the outlook is generally very good. Most people are cured with surgery alone. Regular follow-up is important because there is a small chance the cancer can come back or that a new basal cell carcinoma can develop elsewhere on the body.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
A sore, lump, or bump on the vulva that does not healPersistent itching or irritation of the vulvaBleeding from the vulvar area not related to menstruationA pearly, flesh-colored, or slightly translucent growth on the skinA flat, scar-like patch of skin on the vulvaSkin that looks ulcerated or has a small crater-like centerPain or discomfort in the vulvar areaA change in the color or texture of vulvar skinA slow-growing lesion that may crust or ooze
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 basal cell carcinoma.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
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Rare Disease Specialist
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 basal cell carcinoma.
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Caregiver Resources
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Family & Caregiver Grants
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Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Has all of the cancer been removed, and what were the surgical margins?,What is the chance that this cancer will come back, and how will we monitor for that?,Do I need any additional treatment beyond surgery, such as radiation or topical therapy?,Should I be tested for Gorlin syndrome or other hereditary conditions given this diagnosis?,How often should I have follow-up appointments, and what should I watch for between visits?,Are there any restrictions on activities or sexual health during my recovery?,Should I see a dermatologist regularly to check for basal cell carcinoma elsewhere on my body?
Common questions about Vulvar basal cell carcinoma
What is Vulvar basal cell carcinoma?
Vulvar basal cell carcinoma (also called vulvar BCC or basal cell cancer of the vulva) is a rare type of skin cancer that develops on the outer female genitalia, known as the vulva. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer overall, but it very rarely appears on the vulva — making this a particularly uncommon condition. The cancer starts in the basal cells, which are the deepest layer of the outer skin. It tends to grow slowly and usually stays in the local area without spreading to other parts of the body, which is one reason it is often considered less aggressive than other
How is Vulvar basal cell carcinoma inherited?
Vulvar basal cell carcinoma follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Vulvar basal cell carcinoma typically begin?
Typical onset of Vulvar basal cell carcinoma is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Vulvar basal cell carcinoma?
4 specialists and care centers treating Vulvar basal cell carcinoma are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.