Vulval cancer is one of the lesser-discussed strains of the life-threatening disease, something that 49-year-old Pippa Sharp realised when she was dealt a devastating stage 3 diagnosis in 2022.
Though she'd endured one of the most common symptoms of the specific variation, the Brit put it down to a yeast infection for several months, having had no idea it was linked to cancer.
"It’s a rare cancer - but that doesn’t mean people shouldn’t know about it," she recently told press.
"This affects more than women over 55 - mandatory checks should be offered alongside the smear."
Pippa's story
The Leeds-based woman first noticed something wasn't quite right regarding her health three years ago, when a painful, solid spot appeared suddenly on her left labia.
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Having dealt with the infection before, Pippa became convinced the lump was an indication of thrush - which is caused by overgrowth of the Candida fungus inside the body.
After voicing her concerns during a routine check-up, she says her doctor agreed that a yeast infection was the likely culprit, and though he mentioned the possibility of both cysts and cancer, Pippa was handed antibiotics.
Four days later, and the lump had yet to disappear.
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Following further investigation, the former brand innovation and awards co-ordinator was referred for a biopsy, which revealed that she was actually suffering with stage 1 vulval cancer.
Weeks later, however, a follow-up scan highlighted cancerous lymph nodes in her groin area - meaning her cancer was, in fact, at stage 3.
Despite undergoing 50 rounds of radiotherapy to remove the mass - as well as five rounds of chemo - Pippa is currently in the midst of a relapse, with the cancer having spread to her right labia, and 'back passage'.
During surgery in March of last year, she had part of her right labia taken away, and was booked in for further treatment in June, reportedly needing '30 radiotherapy sessions and five more chemo sessions'.
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Now, Pippa is attempting to raise awareness of vulval cancer, believing it isn't spoken about publicly as much as other strains of the disease.
"We talk so much about how we need to check our breasts. But we should be checking our vulvas regularly, too," she explained.
"It’s a quick check when you go to the toilet, or when you’re laying in bed."
Other symptoms of vulval cancer
For those in need of a reminder, the vulva describes a woman's external genitalia - including the lips surrounding the vagina (also known as the labia minora and labia majora), the clitoris, and the Bartholin's glands (two small glands each side of the vagina).
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The condition is mostly diagnosed in women over the age of 65, being considered rare in those who haven't yet gone through menopause.
According to the NHS, other symptoms of the strain of cancer including:
- A persistent itch in and around the vulva
- Pain or tenderness in and around the vulva
- Raised or thickened patches of skin, that appear red, white or dark
- A wart-like growth on the vulva
- Bleeding, or blood stained vaginal discharge
- An open sore in the vulva
- A burning sensation whilst urinating
- A mole on the vulva that changes shape or colour
Topics: Cancer, Health, Women's Health, Life, Real Life, True Life
Rhianna Benson