Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Introduction

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that forms in the vagina, the muscular canal connecting the uterus to the outside of the body. Although uncommon, it is a serious condition that requires awareness for early detection. Like other gynecological cancers, early diagnosis improves treatment success and long-term survival.

What Is Vaginal Cancer?

Vaginal cancer begins when abnormal cells in the vaginal lining grow uncontrollably. The two main types include:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common form, starting in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina.

  • Adenocarcinoma – develops in the glandular cells of the vaginal lining, less common but sometimes more aggressive.

Other rare types include melanoma and sarcoma of the vagina.

Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Early stages of vaginal cancer may not show obvious signs, but as it progresses, common symptoms may include:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse or menopause)

  • Watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

  • A lump or mass in the vagina

  • Pelvic pain or pressure

  • Painful urination or frequent urination

  • Pain during sexual intercourse

Any persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause is not always known, several factors increase the risk of vaginal cancer:

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection

  • Age (more common in women over 60)

  • History of cervical precancer or cancer

  • Smoking

  • Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) – a drug given to some pregnant women between the 1940s and 1970s

  • Weakened immune system

Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer

Doctors use multiple tests to diagnose vaginal cancer:

  1. Pelvic exam – checking for unusual growths or changes.

  2. Pap test – can detect abnormal vaginal or cervical cells.

  3. Colposcopy – close examination of the vagina with a magnifying device.

  4. Biopsy – removal of suspicious tissue for lab analysis.

  5. Imaging tests (MRI, CT, PET scans) – to determine cancer spread and stage.

Stages of Vaginal Cancer

Staging helps doctors decide treatment plans:

  • Stage I: Cancer limited to the vaginal wall.

  • Stage II: Spread to tissues near the vagina but not the pelvic wall.

  • Stage III: Spread to the pelvic wall.

  • Stage IV: Spread to the bladder, rectum, or distant organs.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage, type, and patient’s health condition. Options include:

  • Surgery – removal of tumors or part of the vagina (vaginectomy).

  • Radiation therapy – external or internal radiation to destroy cancer cells.

  • Chemotherapy – drugs that kill or stop cancer cells from growing, sometimes used with radiation.

  • Targeted therapy – attacks cancer cell changes specifically.

  • Immunotherapy – boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

Although vaginal cancer cannot always be prevented, certain steps reduce risk:

  • Getting the HPV vaccine

  • Practicing safe sex to lower HPV infection risk

  • Quitting smoking

  • Attending regular gynecological exams and Pap tests

  • Informing doctors about DES exposure if applicable

Conclusion

Vaginal cancer is rare but serious, and early detection makes a major difference in outcomes. Awareness of risk factors, regular screenings, and preventive care such as HPV vaccination are key steps to lowering the risk. With proper treatment and timely medical care, survival rates and quality of life can be significantly improved.