We don’t know exactly what causes it, but in some cases it seems to be linked to the human papilloma virus or HPV.

Some women with HPV go on to develop a skin condition called VIN (vulval intraepithelial neoplasia), and in some women the most advanced form of VIN may develop into cancer if it is left untreated. VIN can affect women aged about 20 onwards. Cancer of the vulva is rare.