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]
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Overview
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