Sometimes a thin slice of the skin is removed. In some cases, the entire patch of changed skin is removed excisional biopsy. Your healthcare provider will tell you which kind of biopsy you will have. If the provider takes a larger piece of skin, the area will then be closed with stitches sutures. The tissue removed during the biopsy is then checked under the microscope by a special doctor called a pathologist. This doctor looks for precancer or cancer cells in the biopsy sample.
You'll get the results in about a week. Your healthcare provider will tell you if you need any follow-up tests. Loss of skin color hypopigmentation or increased skin color hyperpigmentation in the biopsy area.
Know what to expect after the biopsy. Ask what type of pain medicine you can use and how to care for the biopsy area. Also ask your healthcare provider what signs to watch for and when to call. Know how to get help after office hours and on weekends and holidays. Was this helpful? Yes No Tell us more. Check all that apply. Wrong topic—not what I was looking for.
The lower the stage, the less the cancer has spread and the greater the chance of treatment being successful. Stage 1 and 2 vulval cancers are generally regarded as early-stage cancers with a relatively good chance of being treated successfully. Stage 3 and 4 cancers are usually regarded as advanced-stage cancers and a complete cure for these types of cancers may not always be possible. Page last reviewed: 30 April Next review due: 30 April Referral to a gynaecologist If a GP feels further tests are necessary, they will refer you to a hospital specialist called a gynaecologist.
Biopsy A biopsy is where a small sample of tissue is removed so it can be examined under a microscope to see if the cells are cancerous. Further tests If the results of the biopsy show cancer, you may need further tests to assess how widespread it is.
These may include: a colposcopy — a procedure where a microscope is used to check for abnormal cells in the vagina a cystoscopy — an examination of the inside of the bladder using a thin, hollow tube inserted into the bladder a proctoscopy — an examination of the inside of the rectum biopsies of the lymph nodes near your vulva to check whether cancer has spread through your lymphatic system a computerised tomography CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan — scans to check for signs of cancer in your lymph nodes or other organs an X-ray to check that cancer has not spread to your lungs The results of these tests will allow your doctor to "stage" your cancer.
Staging Vulval cancers are staged using a number from 1 to 4. You should contact the team looking after you if you notice the area becoming more:. You will have advice on cleaning the area after passing urine. It may help to pour a cup of cool tap water over the area after weeing.
This will help clean the area and reduce any discomfort you may have. You will have an appointment for the results of the biopsy. The stitches are often dissolvable. If not, you have an appointment to remove them. You will have to wait to get the results. Ask your doctor or nurse how long this will take and how you will get the results.
Waiting for results can be an anxious time. It may help to talk to a close friend or relative about how you feel. You might have contact details for a specialist nurse.
You can contact them for information if you need to. Read about what happens when you get diagnosed with vulval cancer, including seeing your GP, when you see a specialist and tests you may have. Your treatment depends on where your cancer is, how big it is, whether it has spread anywhere else in your body and your general health.
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