Cancer of the Vulva
Vulval cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the skin cells of the vulva, the outer surface of the female genitalia. Early detection and treatment of lesions on the vulva that might lead to cancerous changes can lead to a full recovery and excellent future outlook.
It is important to monitor women who carry the risk of developing cancerous lesions in the vulva. With the proper attention from primary carers (such as GPs), patients can receive appropriate referrals to hospitals if they are deemed at risk of skin cancer of the vulva.
While there is cervical screening for women aged 25–65, there is presently no similar programme for cancer of the vulva. It is therefore vital that GPs, gynaecologists and dermatologists listen to patients and refer them for tests if they are at risk.
However, if healthcare professionals diagnose the condition incorrectly or cause a late diagnosis, then this may be negligent cancer care.
Risk Factors for Developing Cancer of the Vulva
The following health and lifestyle factors put women at increased risk of developing skin cancer of the vulva:
- Age - Vulval cancer can develop in women of any age, but the average age of diagnosis is 65.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) - This sexually transmitted infection increases the risk of several cancers, including vulval cancer. It most commonly affects young, sexually active people and often resolves, but can lead to cell changes in some cases and increase the risk of developing cancer in the future.
- Smoking - Smoking is known to increase the risk of several cancers, including vulval cancer.
- Weakened immune system - You may take medication to suppress your immune system (such as when you have undergone an organ transplant) or carry an infection (such as HIV) that weakens your immune system.
- History of precancerous conditions related to the vulva - Most cases of vulval intraepithelial neoplasia never develop into cancer, but a small number do. Therefore, you might need treatment to remove the area of abnormal cells and regular check-ups in the future.
- Skin condition related to the vulva - lichen sclerosus causes the vulva skin to become thin and itchy, and increases the risk of vulval cancer.
When Can You Make Vulval Cancer Misdiagnosis Claims?
Several actions constitute medical negligence in diagnosing and treating vulval cancer. You may be eligible to bring a vulval cancer claim if healthcare professionals:
- Misinterpreted or overlooked your test results
- Misdiagnosed or delayed diagnosing your vulval cancer — for example, by failing to examine you or prescribing medicinal creams for too long rather than referring you to a gynaecologist or dermatologist
- Failed to consider your symptoms or risk factors
- Failed to refer you for tests, such as a biopsy from the suspicious area
- Failed to arrange surgery to remove cancer in the vulva
- Failed to arrange follow-up radiotherapy to the groin
- Failed to arrange regular follow-ups with you after treatment, as the cancer may return
- Failed to arrange follow-up chemotherapy if the cancer returns or to control symptoms if no cure is possible
- Failed to diagnose and treat lichen sclerosus that later became cancer of the vulva
Lichen Sclerosus and Vulva Cancer
Healthcare professionals may have also failed to properly diagnose and treat lichen sclerosus, allowing it to progress and develop into skin cancer of the vulva. Lichen sclerosus is a relatively common dermatological problem affecting the vulva, especially for women who have been through the menopause.
Women with lichen sclerosus are not statistically likely to develop vulval cancer, as the risk is low. However, if you experience regular itching and soreness around your vulva, you must tell your GP. Many women experience dryness as a side effect of menopause, but if you have lichen sclerosus, then it is important that it is identified in its early stages.
Following proper procedures
If your GP does not examine you and you go on to develop cancer of the vulva, then this may be considered medical negligence. To safeguard patients during such examinations, chaperoning can be arranged in the GP surgery. If any abnormality is found, you should be referred to a specialist, which is the usual reasonable standard of care.
If you do not wish to be examined by your GP, perhaps because they are male, then other follow-up arrangements must be made. You may be referred to a female GP at the same practice or to a gynaecologist or dermatologist at a local hospital to enable an examination. However, it is really important, however embarrassing, that you enable someone to examine you properly.
Lichen sclerosus can be treated with topical steroids. Most GPs are not familiar with the presentation and management of lichen sclerosus and may refer you to a specialist. There is no evidence that steroids prevent 2–4% of patients with lichen sclerosus from developing cancer, but it is most important that those with risk factors do not ignore symptoms.
Monitoring your condition
Once you’ve told your GP, they should arrange a follow-up appointment to check your condition or clearly advise you to return for another check-up if your symptoms persist despite treatment. If symptoms return, treatment ceases to be effective, or you develop any lumps, ulcers or bleeding around your vulva, you may have vulval cancer. If you are under GP and/or hospital care at this point, and you have been made aware of the symptoms of developing vulval cancer, you should be referred to a specialist in skin cancer of the vulva.
The aim of early referral is to diagnose vulval cancer at an earlier stage and provide more treatment options for the patient. In addition, the smaller the tumour, the less likely it is to spread to surrounding lymph nodes and then other parts of the body.
You can bring vulval cancer misdiagnosis claims against either the NHS or a private healthcare provider. In addition to potentially awarding you compensation for your suffering and expenses, this could help prevent future negligence related to cancer of the vulva.
What Happens When You Claim for Vulval Cancer Misdiagnosis?
If you have suffered clinical negligence, Medical Solicitors will gladly assist with vulval cancer misdiagnosis claims. Once in touch, we can discuss:
- Whether you have a valid claim
- Information we need to collect
- How we will handle your claim
- Our ‘No Win, No Fee’ agreements
Our specialist vulval cancer misdiagnosis solicitors will then collect evidence to support your case, including:
- Medical records — From clinical notes to test results, your medical records will show whether there were any delays or oversights during your care.
- Professional opinions — We work with third-party medical experts to assess the quality of your care and whether your healthcare provider could have provided better vulval cancer treatment.
- Financial losses — If independent medico-legal experts believe negligence occurred, we will work with you to gather information about all reasonable financial losses suffered as a result.
What Can Vulval Cancer Misdiagnosis Compensation Cover?
Vulval cancer misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis compensation is intended to help you adjust your lifestyle and recover various losses. These may include:
- Physical and emotional damage — Such as pain, stress, anxiety and loss of quality of life.
- Financial implications — Lost earnings, or even job loss, as well as past and potential future lost wages for a loved one serving as a carer.
- Treatment — Past and future medical expenses, and travel and accommodation fees if you require additional treatment beyond what was necessary.
Help for Vulval Cancer Claims with Medical Solicitors
While fighting vulval cancer is very difficult, experiencing related medical negligence can affect your mental health and emotional stability in entirely new ways. You do not have to struggle alone, but can access support from dedicated UK-based charities such as GO Girls.
If you think you have a vulval cancer misdiagnosis claim, please talk to a member of our team at Medical Solicitors to find out how we can help. For more information about our work, paying for claims and legal duties of care providers, please visit our help and advice page.
