[Papillomavirus, herpes virus and vulvar cancer]

Vulvar carcinoma is relatively rare but genital warts (condylomas) are very frequent findings. Very old diseases, the roles of certain viruses in their pathophysiology has been shown. The mechanism of viral infestation is reviewed. Absolute proof of precise viral oncogenic roles in humans remains unrealized despite definite clinical and epidemiologic arguments; the role is that of a cocarcinogen acting in conjunction with physical, chemical, clinical and immunological factors in an as yet obscure chronological order. For the moment, viral vulvar lesions must be considered as cancer risks and be treated as such.