Vulval cancer

There is no one clear cause of vulval cancer. However, there are diseases that increase the risk of this type of cancer, such as:

• Lichen sclerosus (a skin disease of the vulva)
• A long-term infection with HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
• Morbus Paget (a rare skin disease)

These diseases can cause restless or abnormal cells in the vulva. These cells are not yet cancerous, but can be a precursor to cancer.

There are two types of precancerous vulvar cancer:

• Differentiated Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (dVIN). This occurs in women with lichen sclerosus.
• High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). This is due to the HPV virus.

• A bump or wound that does not close or bleeds easily
• Pain or burning sensation
• Itch
• Blood loss
• A distressing feeling when urinating