Vulvar cancer risk factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Overview
Who is at highest risk?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of vulvar cancer is related to several 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.
- Lichen sclerosus (LS): Epidemiological data show about 4% of women with LS develope vulvar cancer later.
- Melanoma or atypical moles: Epidemiological data have verified that melanoma or atypical moles increase the risk of developing vulvar cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking can further increases the risk of developing vulvar cancer.
- Age: The risk of vulvar cancer goes up with age and the average age of women diagnosed with invasive vulvar cancer is 70.