Table of Contents
Vaginal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Options
By Dr. Gajendra Kumar Himanshu
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the cells of the vagina. It may not cause symptoms in its early stages, but possible warning signs include unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, abnormal vaginal discharge, a lump in the vagina, pelvic pain, or pain during sex. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and older age are among the known risk factors. Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer and may include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or other medicines.
Vaginal cancer is different from cervical cancer, although the two can affect nearby parts of the female reproductive system and may have some similar symptoms. Because vaginal cancer is rare, unusual symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for infections or other common conditions.
In this blog, we will explain what vaginal cancer is, its symptoms and causes, how doctors diagnose it, the main treatment options, and why early medical evaluation and follow-up are important.
What Is Vaginal Cancer?
The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix to the outside of the body. Vaginal cancer develops when abnormal cells in the vagina begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin cells lining the vagina. Other types, such as adenocarcinoma, can also occur.
Vaginal cancer is uncommon compared with cancers such as cervical, breast, or ovarian cancer. It can develop in different parts of the vagina, and the location can affect the treatment plan.
If you want to understand how cancers of the female reproductive system are managed, you can also read our guide to cervical cancer treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer?
Early vaginal cancer may cause no clear symptoms. Some cases may be found during a pelvic examination or other testing. When symptoms do occur, abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most common warning signs.
Possible symptoms include:
- Bleeding that is not related to a normal menstrual period
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Unusual or watery vaginal discharge
- A lump or mass inside the vagina
- Pain during sex
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
- Pain or difficulty while urinating
- Constipation
- Back pain
- Swelling in the legs in more advanced disease
These symptoms do not always mean cancer. Infections and other non-cancerous conditions can cause similar problems. However, unusual bleeding, discharge, pain, or a lump that does not go away should be checked by a healthcare professional.
What Causes Vaginal Cancer?
There is no single cause of vaginal cancer. It develops when changes inside cells cause them to grow abnormally. Doctors have identified several factors that can increase the risk, although having a risk factor does not mean a person will definitely develop cancer.
HPV and Vaginal Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is an important risk factor for vaginal cancer. HPV is linked to about two-thirds of vaginal cancer cases. HPV vaccination can help protect against HPV infection and may reduce the risk of vaginal cancer.
Other known risk factors include:
- Older age, particularly age 60 or above
- HPV infection
- Previous treatment or history involving cervical or vaginal abnormalities
- Exposure to DES before birth, which is linked with a rare type of vaginal cancer
Some women develop vaginal cancer without any known risk factor.
How Is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?
If you have unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, pain, or a lump, your doctor may first ask about your symptoms and medical history. A pelvic examination can help the doctor look for abnormal areas in the vagina and nearby organs.
Biopsy
If an unusual area is found, a biopsy may be performed. During a biopsy, a small piece of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope. This is an important step in confirming whether cancer cells are present.
Other tests may be used to understand the size and location of the cancer and whether it has spread. These can include imaging scans and examinations of nearby areas.
For more information about how cancer is confirmed, you can read our blog on how cervical cancer is diagnosed.
Vaginal Cancer Symptoms and Diagnosis at a Glance
The table below summarises the key points about vaginal cancer, from its warning signs to how it is diagnosed and treated.
Area | Key information |
|---|---|
Type of cancer | Cancer that begins in cells of the vagina |
Common warning sign | Abnormal vaginal bleeding |
Other symptoms | Discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or a vaginal lump |
Important risk factor | HPV infection |
Diagnosis | Pelvic examination, biopsy, and other tests or scans |
Treatment | Radiation, surgery, chemotherapy, or other medicines |
Treatment choice | Depends on cancer type, stage, location, and overall health |
The symptoms and treatment can vary from one patient to another, so an individual medical assessment is important.
How Is Vaginal Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends mainly on where the cancer is located, how large it is, how deeply it has grown, whether it has spread, and the patient’s overall health. Because vaginal cancer is rare, there is no single treatment that is suitable for every patient. Doctors may use one treatment or a combination of treatments.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is an important treatment for many vaginal cancers. It may be delivered from outside the body using external beam radiation therapy or from inside the vagina using a form of internal radiation called brachytherapy.
For many stage I vaginal cancers, radiation may be the main treatment. For more advanced disease, external radiation may be combined with chemotherapy, with or without brachytherapy.
You can learn more about the types of radiation therapy to understand this treatment better.
Surgery
Surgery may be considered for some very early vaginal cancers or when cancer remains or returns after radiation. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumour.
For a small tumour, doctors may perform a local excision, removing the cancer along with a small amount of nearby healthy tissue. More extensive cancers may require removal of part or all of the vagina. In selected difficult cases, more major surgery may be considered.
The goal is to remove the cancer while causing as little damage as possible to nearby healthy tissues.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be given together with radiation, particularly in some more advanced vaginal cancers.
Chemotherapy may also be considered when cancer has spread or returned, depending on the individual situation.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
For some advanced or recurrent vaginal cancers, doctors may consider targeted medicines or immunotherapy. The choice depends on the cancer’s type, stage, biomarkers, previous treatment, and overall health.
These treatments are not needed for every patient.
Does Vaginal Cancer Have Different Stages?
Yes, staging helps doctors understand how far the cancer has grown or spread. A cancer limited to the vagina is treated differently from one that has grown into nearby tissues or spread to distant organs.
The stage, tumour location, cancer type, and general health all help the cancer team choose treatment.
For example, some early-stage cancers may be treated with radiation or surgery, while more advanced cancers may need a combination of radiation and chemotherapy or treatment with medicines.
Can Vaginal Cancer Be Found Early?
Vaginal cancer can sometimes be found early, particularly when symptoms lead a woman to seek medical care. However, many cases may not cause clear symptoms until the cancer has grown.
Regular gynaecological care and recommended cervical cancer screening can sometimes identify vaginal precancerous changes or early disease, although there is no standard screening test specifically recommended for vaginal cancer in the general population.
If you notice unusual bleeding, discharge, pelvic pain, or another persistent change, do not wait for a routine check-up to discuss it.
Follow-Up After Vaginal Cancer Treatment
Follow-up remains important after treatment. Your doctor may perform physical or pelvic examinations and may recommend imaging or other tests when needed.
Follow-up can help doctors monitor recovery, manage treatment side effects, and check for signs that cancer has returned. The exact schedule depends on the original cancer and treatment.
If you experience new bleeding, pelvic pain, unusual discharge, a new lump, urinary problems, or other persistent symptoms after treatment, tell your cancer team.
If you want to read more about vaginal cancer, you can visit the National Cancer Institute.
Consult Today
Vaginal cancer is rare, but unusual vaginal bleeding, bleeding after sex, persistent discharge, pelvic pain, pain during sex, or a vaginal lump should not be ignored. These symptoms often have causes other than cancer, but a medical examination can help identify the actual reason.
At Oncare Cancer Hospital, cancer specialists can review your symptoms, examination findings, biopsy reports, and scans to understand the diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment. Depending on the type and stage of vaginal cancer, treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always discuss decisions about symptoms, tests, or any cancer treatment with a certified cancer healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, vaginal cancer is a rare cancer compared with many other cancers affecting women.
Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including bleeding after sex, is one of the most common symptoms. Unusual discharge, pelvic pain, and a vaginal lump can also occur.
Yes, HPV infection is an important risk factor and is linked to about two-thirds of vaginal cancer cases.
Yes, treatment may include radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, or other medicines. The best treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, location, and overall health.
Written and Verified by:
Dr. Gajendra Kumar Himanshu Exp: 10 Yr
Medical Officer
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