Vulvar cancer

Author/s: 
Jennifer Davis, Jacob McGee, Anjali Kulkarni
Date Added: 
February 26, 2026
Journal/Publication: 
Canadian Medical Association Journal
Publication Date: 
February 23, 2026
Type: 
Meta-analyses, Reviews, and Guidelines
Format: 
Article
DOI (1): 
10.1503/cmaj.250797
PMID (1): 
41730538

RPR Commentary

A concise list of important things to know about vulvar cancer. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

Abstract

Vulvar cancer is an underrecognized gynecologic malignant disease. The incidence of vulvar cancer is 2.3 per 100 000 people in Canada, and is increasing with the rising prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 90% of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), mostly diagnosed after age 65 years. Vulvar SCC mimics nonspecific inflammation, which often delays diagnosis. Risk factors include advanced age, HPV infection, lichen sclerosis, smoking, immunodeficiency, and pelvic radiation