Vulvar cancer risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Monalisa Dmello, M.B,B.S., M.D. [2]

Vulvar cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Info
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Vulvar cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Staging
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Vulvar cancer risk factors On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Vulvar cancer risk factors All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Vulvar cancer risk factors
CDC on Vulvar cancer risk factors
Vulvar cancer risk factors in the news
Blogs on Vulvar cancer risk factors
Directions to Hospitals Treating Vulvar cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Vulvar cancer risk factors

Known risk factors

Human papilloma virus (HPV)

• Clinical survey shows HPV infection is thought to be responsible for up to half of vulvar cancers overall, and most of the cases that occur in younger women.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

• Scientists found that HIV can damage the body's immune system and make women more susceptible to persistent HPV infections.

Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)

• Clinical data suggest that women with VIN have an increased risk of developing invasive vulvar cancer.

Personal history of vulvar skin conditions

• Women with a history of vulvar skin conditions have an increased risk of vulvar cancer. These conditions include lichen sclerosis, which is a benign condition of the vulva that causes long-term, or chronic, inflammation of the skin. Having a vulvar skin condition can cause damage to the skin of the vulva over the long term. This damage may be what increases the risk for vulvar cancer.

Personal history of cervical, vaginal or anal cancer

• Women diagnosed with cancer of the cervix, vagina or anus have a higher risk of developing vulvar cancer. This may be because these cancers have similar risk factors, such as HPV infection.

Possible risk factors

Smoking

• Studies suggest that smoking increases a woman’s risk of developing vulvar cancer.

Personal history of melanoma

• Studies suggest that women with a personal or family history of melanoma have a higher risk of developing melanoma of the vulva.