There are four types of vaginal cancer, depending on where the cancer began.

• Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type and refers to the thin, flat cells that line the surface of the vagina.

• Vaginal adenocarcinoma begins in the glandular cells on the surface of the vagina.

• Vaginal melanoma develops on the pigment-producing cells of the vagina.

• Vaginal sarcoma develops in the connective tissue cells or smooth muscle cells in the vagina walls.

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Risk factors for vaginal cancer:

• Persistent HPV infection.

• Smoking weakens the immune system, which can lead to persistent HPV infection.

• Risk increases with age, especially 60 years and older.

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES)—a hormone medicine used many years ago during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage.

 

Risk factors for vulvar cancer:

• Lichen sclerosis—a chronic skin condition that causes thin, white patches of skin, usually in the genital area.

• Persistent HPV infection.

• Smoking weakens the immune system, which can lead to persistent HPV infection.