What is vaginal cancer?
Vaginal cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the vagina grow in an uncontrolled way.
Vaginal cancer is different from vulvar cancer.
Invasive cancer of the vagina is uncommon and makes up less than 2% of all gynaecological malignancies.
About the vagina
The vagina is a muscular tube that extends from the opening of the uterus (called the cervix) to the external part of a woman’s sex organs (the vulva). The vagina is also called the birth canal. The uterus is also called the womb.
The vagina is the passageway through which menstrual blood flows, sexual intercourse occurs and a baby is delivered.
Vaginal cancer can be primary (originating in the vagina) or metastatic (spreading from other organs), with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common type, followed by adenocarcinoma; pre-cancerous changes are known as vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN).
Explore statistics on vaginal cancer, including the number of new cases, deaths, survival rates, and overall prevalence.
Vaginal cancer risk factors include HPV infection, DES exposure, untreated VAIN, previous cervical cancer, radiation therapy, smoking, and age, but having a risk factor doesn't guarantee cancer development.
Vaginal cancer often has no early symptoms, and many women discover it through abnormal cervical screening tests. Common symptoms include blood-stained discharge, bleeding after sex, pelvic pain, vaginal lumps, urinary issues, and rectal pain.
Multiple tests, including physical examinations, colposcopies, biopsies, and imaging scans, can be used to diagnose vaginal cancer, with the stage and grade of the cancer influencing subsequent treatment decisions.
Vaginal cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, with specific choices depending on cancer stage, spread, general health, and personal preferences.
Vaginal cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact physical and emotional well-being, with some effects unique to vaginal cancers due to their impact on sexual functioning.
Cancer treatments can significantly impact fertility in young women, affecting their ability to conceive naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.
Living with cancer can be challenging, but you can find support from family, friends, health professionals, and cancer support organizations to help you cope with the emotional, physical, and practical issues related to your diagnosis.
Research is ongoing to find new ways to diagnose and treat different types of cancer.
Details for professionals seeking comprehensive information on vaginal cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Last updated 20 November 2024
