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Causes of Cancer of the vulva

The exact cause of vulval cancer is unknown, but doctors think it is linked to the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is spread during unprotected sex.

There are many different types of HPV, some of which are more high risk than others. Cell change associated with cancer of the cervix is commonly linked to certain strains of HPV. High-risk strains of the virus have also been associated with genital and anal cancers in both men and women.

It is hard to tell if you have been infected with HPV until the signs of pre-cancerous change or cancer develop. Some types of the virus can infect the female and male genital organs and the anal area, causing the visible symptoms of genital warts and flat white patches. However, the strains of the virus that cause visible symptoms are not usually associated with cancer.

Most types of HPV cannot be detected by the naked eye because there are no visible symptoms. HPV can also be a latent virus. This means it may be present but not active for some time. Often, the immune system will fight off the virus before it has chance to develop. Regular cervical smear tests will detect any abnormal cells before they become cancerous.

Women with HPV may go on to develop a skin condition called VIN (vulval intraepithelial neoplasia). VIN is also known as dysplasia, which means ‘abnormal’. VIN is a form of pre-cancerous change in the skin of the vulva. The cells change from normal to abnormal, with the potential to become cancerous. In mild cases of VIN, the cells may return to normal form. However, severe VIN can progress into cancer if left untreated.

The most common symptom of VIN is a lasting itch that does not away, along with thickened, swollen or discoloured patches of affected skin. It is difficult to tell which cases of VIN will develop into cancer. Women with the condition should be treated or closely monitored by a doctor.

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