Vulvar cancer risk factors: who is more likely to get vulvar cancer

What vulvar cancer is

The vulva is the outer part of a woman's genitals. It includes the inner and outer lips of the vagina, the clitoris, the opening of the vagina and its glands, and the mons pubis (the rounded area in front of the pubic bones). Vulvar cancer most often affects the outer lips (NCI what is).

MedlinePlus calls vulvar cancer a rare type of cancer (MedlinePlus). It usually forms slowly over many years. Abnormal cells can grow on the surface of the vulvar skin for a long time first; this is called vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN). Because VIN can turn into vulvar cancer, NCI says it is important to get it treated (NCI what is). MedlinePlus adds that not all VIN turns into cancer, but it is best to treat it early (MedlinePlus).

Who is more likely to get vulvar cancer

NCI names these risk factors (NCI causes):

• Older age.
• A high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV infection causes about half of all vulvar cancers (NCI).
• Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN), the abnormal skin cells described above.
• A history of genital warts.

NCI lists these as other possible risk factors (NCI causes):

• Having many sexual partners.
• Having first sexual intercourse at a young age.
• A history of abnormal Pap tests (Pap smears).

MedlinePlus gives the same two main ones: you are at greater risk if you have had an HPV infection or have a history of genital warts (MedlinePlus). NCI notes that not everyone with one or more risk factors will get vulvar cancer, and some people with no known risk factors do get it. Talk with your doctor if you think you may be at risk (NCI causes).

Signs to check with a doctor

Vulvar cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms. NCI lists a lump or growth on the vulva that looks like a wart or ulcer, itching in the vulvar area that does not go away, bleeding not related to menstruation, and pain in the vulvar area (NCI symptoms). MedlinePlus also names vulvar tenderness and changes in the vulvar skin, such as color changes (MedlinePlus). These signs may be caused by vulvar cancer or by other conditions (NCI symptoms).

How it is diagnosed

A health care provider diagnoses vulvar cancer with a physical exam and a biopsy (a small tissue sample checked under a microscope) (MedlinePlus).

Related HPV cancers

See also our cervical cancer risk factors guide. Women who have had cervical, vaginal or vulvar cancer have a higher risk of anal cancer, which is also related to HPV (NCI causes); see our anal cancer risk factors guide.

Common questions

Does having HPV mean I will get vulvar cancer?

No. HPV infection causes about half of all vulvar cancers (NCI), but NCI says not every person with a risk factor will develop vulvar cancer (NCI causes).

Is VIN the same as cancer?

No. VIN means abnormal cells on the surface of the vulvar skin. It can become vulvar cancer, which is why it should be treated (NCI what is). Not all VIN turns into cancer (MedlinePlus).

Does vulvar cancer cause symptoms early?

Often not. NCI says vulvar cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms (NCI symptoms), so a lump, itching that does not go away, bleeding outside your period or pain in the area is worth a visit to your doctor.