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
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Overview

Common risk factors in the development of vulvar cancer are human papilloma virus, human immunodeficiency virus, vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia, and lichen sclerosis.

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.