Types of vaginal cancer
The most common type of cancer that starts in the vagina is squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma grows in the squamous cells – a type of flat skin cell that usually lines the walls of the vagina. Squamous cells also exist in skin all over the body.
Adenocarcinoma is another type of vaginal cancer. It makes up about 10% of vaginal cancer diagnoses. Adenocarcinomas grow in gland cells in the vagina.
Two other types of vaginal cancer, melanoma and sarcoma occur even less often than adenocarcinomas. Melanoma vaginal cancer starts in cells that produce pigment. Sarcoma vaginal cancer starts inside the walls of the vagina.
Risk factors for vaginal cancer
There’s no known cause of vaginal cancer. However, there are several risk factors that make it more likely for someone to be diagnosed with vaginal cancer, including:
- Being over 60 years old
- Having a previous hysterectomy for a benign or cancerous tumor
- Having certain types of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection
- Having had cervical cancer
- Smoking
- Having HIV
Having any of these risk factors doesn’t mean that you’ll get vaginal cancer. And some people are diagnosed with vaginal cancer even though they don’t have any risk factors.
What are the early signs of vaginal cancer?
Early symptoms of vaginal cancer may include:
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge not due to menstruation
What do vaginal cancer symptoms look and feel like?
Vaginal cancer grows inside the body, so most people won’t see their own symptoms of vaginal cancer. Your health care provider may be able to see changes in your vagina during a pelvic exam or in results from any imaging tests.
In the early stages, vaginal cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms you can feel. If vaginal cancer is more developed, you may be able to feel a physical lump. Or you may have these potential symptoms of vaginal cancer:
- Pain in the pelvis or vagina
- Constipation
- Pain when urinating
- Back pain
Vaginal cancer diagnosis
You may be diagnosed with vaginal cancer during an annual physical. Your doctor will ask about your potential symptoms and may perform a pelvic exam and Pap smear. Tests that may be recommended to diagnose vaginal cancer are:
- Colposcopy: Examines the cervix and the walls of the vagina with a colposcope (specially designed microscope). A biopsy may be performed during this test.
- Chest X-ray: Checks for potential vaginal cancer that has spread to the lungs.
- CT scan: Takes more detailed images of any tumors.
- MRI: Uses radio waves to create many detailed images of the vagina and other tissues.
Vaginal cancer treatment
If you have vaginal cancer, our gynecologic oncologists will probably recommend chemotherapy and radiation therapy for treatment. As always, our doctors work as part of an experienced multidisciplinary team, who discuss your case and decide on the most advanced, personalized treatment for you.