Vaginal cancer is an uncommon form of cancer that stems from the vagina. When cancer develops in the vagina, it is known as primary vaginal cancer. However, if it starts elsewhere in the body—like in the cervix, uterus, or ovaries—and extends to the vagina, it is referred to as secondary vaginal cancer.
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The most prevalent vaginal cancer symptom is unusual vaginal bleeding, which may involve:
Additional symptoms may include:
If you experience any unusual vaginal bleeding, alterations in the usual menstrual pattern (including irregular or heavier periods), or difficulties with urination, it’s important to consult your GP. While these symptoms are often unlikely due to vaginal cancer, a medical evaluation is essential.
The precise cause of vaginal cancer is unclear. However, some of the factors that may raise the risk of getting the condition include:
Since HPV may be associated with vaginal cancer, practicing safe intercourse could help lower the risk. The HPV vaccine, regularly given to girls aged 12 to 13, protects against two HPV strains responsible for the majority of vaginal and cervical cancer.
If you experience symptoms like vaginal bleeding, discomfort, or discharge, the healthcare provider will discuss these and may perform a physical examination. This includes assessing the external genitalia (vulva) and conducting an internal vaginal exam.
To perform the procedure, your doctor will wear gloves and carefully insert one or two fingers into the vagina to feel for any unusual signs. This is normally done using a lubricating gel to ensure more comfort. The provider might also use a speculum to inspect the cervix and may take a vaginal swab to look for infection signs.
If there is no clear cause of the symptoms, you may be referred to a gynecologist for more testing, which could include:
These diagnostic procedures may sometimes be uncomfortable, but the provider will try to keep you as comfortable and relaxed as possible. If biopsy results indicate cancer, additional tests may be done to check for if it has spread further. Examples of these tests are:
Your healthcare team will discuss all kinds of scans you require with you.
If cervical cancer is suspected after an abnormal Pap smear, the doctor may conduct a colposcopy, which uses an illuminated magnifying lens to check the cervix and vagina. A Schiller test that involves coating the cervix using an iodine solution may also be done. While the healthy cells absorb the iodine and turn brown, abnormal cells will retain their white or yellow color.
If abnormalities are found, a biopsy, in which small cervical tissue samples are removed for examination, may be ordered. A biopsy is the only definitive way to determine if the abnormal cells are cancerous.
The physician may also recommend additional tests, such as screening for HPV or other STIs, along with follow-up Pap smears.
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Vaginal cancer treatment options depend on the cancer’s location in the vagina and its extent. Your physician will discuss the suitable treatment approach for your condition. In most cases, it may include:
Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for vaginal cancer and may be conducted in different ways:
Surgery may be recommended based on the cancer’s location and how far it has extended. There are 4 primary forms of surgery that doctors perform to address vaginal cancer. They include:
Approximately 2% of persons with stage 1 and stage 2 vaginal cancer will undergo radiotherapy after surgery.
Chemotherapy may be given alongside radiotherapy in a combined approach known as concurrent chemo-radiation.
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