Are melanomas of the vulva more aggressive than other cutaneous melanomas?

No. Melanomas found in the vulvar area do not behave differently than melanomas on other areas of the body. Vulvar melanomas tend to be diagnosed at a later stage than other cutaneous melanomas that are on skin that is more visible and examined more frequently than the vulva. The 5-year survival rate is between 36% and 60%.

Nasu K, Kai Y, Ohishi M, et al: Conservative surgical treatment for early-stage vulvar malignant melanoma, Arch Gynecol Obstet281:335–338, 2010.