Vulval cancer Cancer of the vulva - the external opening of the vagina - is considered uncommon, with around 1,000 new cases reported each year in the UK. It mostly affects women over the age of 50, although it's becoming more common in younger women.

In this article

What causes it? What are the symptoms?

How is it diagnosed? What's the treatment?

The cause of vulval cancer has yet to be pinpointed, but some of the suggested causes include:

• Vulval intra-epithelial neoplasia (VIN), a pre-cancerous change in the skin of the vulva. It isn't cancer, but it can progress to cancer (although most cases won't). The most common symptom is itching. Areas affected by VIN may appear swollen, with thicker areas of skin and red, white or dark-coloured patches. You can find out more about VIN from Cancerbackup.

• The human papilloma virus (HPV) is thought to cause three or five out of ten cases of vulval cancer. HPV is passed on through sexual activity. There are many kinds of HPV and some are considered more high risk than others. (The types that cause genital warts are only rarely linked to genital cancers, so genital warts aren't a risk factor for vulval cancer.) The first sign of high-risk HPV infection is often a pre-cancerous change in the surface or mucosa of the affected area. You can find out more about this condition from Cancerbackup.

• Some chronic skin conditions and inflammation are thought to be associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the vulva. These are lichen sclerosus (also called lichen sclerosis), lichen planus and Paget's disease.

• Smoking may increase the risk of developing both VIN and cancer of the vulva.

The symptoms of vulval cancer may include:

• Itching, burning and soreness around the vulva
• A lump or sore visible on the skin
• Pain or soreness in the area around the vulva
• Bleeding or discharge
• Pain or burning when you pass urine

Any of the symptoms listed above can also be associated with other non-cancerous conditions. If you do have any of these symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.

Our doctor responds...

"I've recently noticed a few small lumps in and around my vagina"

Your GP will refer you to a specialist and may arrange for you to have blood tests.

An examination will be performed to identify any abnormal areas of tissue. An internal examination will also be carried out to check the vagina and cervix for any abnormalities. A biopsy will be taken to establish a diagnosis.

The treatment options will depend on the type of cancer and its position and size.

Surgery is the main treatment for cancer of the vulva. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy may also be required.

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This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Trisha Macnair in August 2007.