A risk factor [2] is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop cancer, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.

The following factors may raise a person’s risk of developing an HIV/AIDS-related cancer:

Human papillomavirus infection. Research indicates that infection with this virus is a risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV is most commonly passed from person to person during sexual activity. There are different types, or strains, of HPV, and some strains are more strongly associated with certain types of cancers. Factors that raise the risk of becoming infected with HPV include becoming sexually active at an early age, having many partners (or having sex with a person who has had many partners), and having sex with a man who has penile warts. HPV vaccines protect against certain strains of the virus. Learn more about HPV and cancer [3].

HHV-8 infection. HHV-8 is related to other herpes viruses, such as the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes, as well as cytomegalovirus (CMV). Other herpes viruses, however, are not the same as HHV-8 and are not thought to be risk factors for cancer. HHV-8 infection is associated with Kaposi sarcoma and primary effusion lymphoma (see Overview [4]).

Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. EBV is a herpes-related virus that causes mononucleosis. It is also associated with primary central nervous system lymphoma, high-grade B-cell lymphoma, and primary effusion lymphoma.

Symptoms and Signs

People with an HIV/AIDS-related cancer may experience the following symptoms or signs. Sometimes, people with an HIV/AIDS-related cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom or sign on this list, please talk to your doctor.

Kaposi sarcoma

• Slightly elevated purple, pink, brown, or red lesions in the mouth and/or throat or anywhere on the skin, most commonly on the upper body and face.
• Lymphedema [5] (swelling caused by blockage of the lymph system, often in an arm or leg)
• Unexplained cough or chest pain
• Unexplained stomach or intestinal pain
• Unexplained bleeding from the mouth or rectum
• Diarrhea and/or blockage of the digestive tract, caused by Kaposi sarcoma lesions that have developed in the gastrointestinal system

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

The symptoms of NHL depend on where the cancer began and the organ that is involved.

General symptoms:

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, groin, neck, or underarms
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Fever that cannot be explained by an infection or other illness
• Weight loss with no known cause
• Sweating and chills

Examples of symptoms related to tumor location:

• A tumor in the abdomen can cause a distended (stretched) belly or pain.
• A tumor in the center of the chest can press on the windpipe and cause difficulty breathing or other respiratory problems.
• A tumor in the brain can cause headaches, seizures, or changes in vision and memory

Cervical cancer

• Bloody spots or light bleeding between or following menstrual periods
• Menstrual bleeding that is longer and heavier than usual
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic examination
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Increased vaginal discharge

Your doctor will ask you questions about the symptoms you are experiencing to help find out the cause of the problem, called a diagnosis [6]. This may include how long you’ve been experiencing the symptom(s) and how often.

If cancer is diagnosed, relieving symptoms and side effects remains an important part of cancer care and treatment. This may also be called symptom management, palliative care, or supportive care. Be sure to talk with your health care team about symptoms you experience, including any new symptoms or a change in symptoms.