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Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the tissues of the vagina. Because it is uncommon and may not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages, some cases can be difficult to detect early.

Understanding possible symptoms and risk factors can help people recognize unusual changes and discuss them with a healthcare professional. Importantly, many symptoms associated with vaginal cancer can also occur because of other, more common conditions.

What Is Vaginal Cancer?

The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix with the outside of the body. Vaginal cancer develops when abnormal cells in the vaginal tissue begin growing uncontrollably.

Most vaginal cancers begin in the cells lining the vagina. Different types can develop depending on the type of cell where the cancer starts.

Vaginal cancer is different from cervical, vulvar, or uterine cancer, although these cancers can sometimes spread to nearby tissues.

What Are the Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer?

Early vaginal cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

Unusual Vaginal Bleeding

Bleeding that occurs after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods, or after menopause can be a warning sign that requires medical evaluation.

Unusual Vaginal Discharge

A watery, bloody, or unusual vaginal discharge may occur. Changes in discharge can have many causes, so persistent changes should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

A Lump or Mass

Some people may notice a lump or mass inside the vagina. A healthcare professional should evaluate any new or unusual growth.

Pain During Sexual Intercourse

Pain during intercourse can have many causes. Persistent or unexplained pain should be medically assessed.

Pelvic Pain

Ongoing pain or pressure in the pelvis may occur in some cases, particularly as the disease progresses.

Problems With Urination

Advanced vaginal cancer may sometimes affect nearby structures and cause difficulty or discomfort during urination.

These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer. Infections, hormonal changes, benign growths, and other conditions can cause similar problems.

What Are the Risk Factors for Vaginal Cancer?

A risk factor increases the likelihood of developing a condition, but it does not mean that someone will definitely develop cancer.

Possible risk factors include:

Human Papillomavirus

Certain types of human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, are associated with several cancers of the reproductive system, including some vaginal cancers.

Increasing Age

Vaginal cancer is more commonly diagnosed in older women, although it can occur at different ages.

Previous Cervical or Vaginal Abnormalities

A history of certain precancerous conditions or cancers involving the cervix or vagina may increase the risk.

Previous Radiation Treatment

Radiation therapy involving the pelvic area has been associated with an increased risk of developing vaginal cancer later in life.

Diethylstilbestrol Exposure

People whose mothers took the medication diethylstilbestrol, or DES, during pregnancy have an increased risk of a rare type of vaginal cancer known as clear cell adenocarcinoma.

DES was used in the past but is no longer prescribed for this purpose.

How Is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?

If unusual symptoms are present, a healthcare professional may begin with a medical history and pelvic examination.

Pelvic Examination

During a pelvic examination, a healthcare professional examines the vagina and nearby reproductive organs for unusual changes, masses, or other abnormalities.

Colposcopy

A colposcope is a magnifying instrument that can provide a closer view of vaginal and cervical tissues. A special solution may also be used to make abnormal areas easier to identify.

Biopsy

A biopsy is often needed to determine whether abnormal cells are cancerous. During the procedure, a small tissue sample is removed and examined in a laboratory.

Imaging Tests

If cancer is diagnosed, imaging tests such as MRI, CT, or PET scans may sometimes be used to understand the extent of the disease and whether it has spread.

The exact tests used depend on the person's symptoms and clinical situation.

Why Is Early Detection Important?

Because vaginal cancer is rare, its symptoms may initially be mistaken for other gynecological conditions.

Recognizing persistent or unusual changes can encourage earlier medical evaluation. If cancer is detected, doctors can determine its stage and discuss treatment options based on the individual's condition.

Regular gynecological care can also provide opportunities to discuss unusual symptoms and reproductive health concerns.

Can Vaginal Cancer Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent vaginal cancer. However, some measures may reduce the risk of HPV-related cancers.

HPV vaccination can help protect against certain HPV infections associated with several cancers. Avoiding tobacco use and following recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines may also contribute to reducing cancer-related risks.

People should discuss vaccination and screening with a healthcare professional based on their age, medical history, and individual circumstances.

FAQs

Is vaginal cancer common?

No. Vaginal cancer is rare compared with several other gynecological cancers.

What is the most common symptom of vaginal cancer?

Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the symptoms that can occur. Other symptoms may include unusual discharge, a vaginal lump, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse.

Can HPV cause vaginal cancer?

Certain high-risk types of HPV are associated with some vaginal cancers.

Can vaginal cancer be detected through a Pap test?

A Pap test is primarily used to screen for cervical cancer and may sometimes detect abnormal cells from nearby areas. It is not a dedicated screening test for vaginal cancer.

Is vaginal bleeding after menopause always cancer?

No. There are many possible causes of bleeding after menopause. However, it should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Vaginal cancer is a rare disease that can develop in the tissues of the vagina. Possible symptoms include unusual vaginal bleeding, abnormal discharge, a vaginal lump, pelvic discomfort, and pain during intercourse.

Certain HPV infections, increasing age, previous pelvic radiation, and some other factors may increase the risk. Since these symptoms can also result from many non-cancerous conditions, persistent or unusual changes should be medically evaluated. Early investigation can help identify the cause and guide appropriate care.