Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the vagina—the muscular canal that connects the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) to the outside of the body. Most vaginal cancers begin in the lining of the vagina and are more likely to occur in older women.

In its early stages, vaginal cancer may not cause any symptoms. As it grows, it can lead to unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after sex or after menopause), watery discharge, a lump or mass, or pain during intercourse. Because it’s rare, vaginal cancer is often overlooked or mistaken for other conditions.

Doctors use pelvic exams, Pap tests, biopsies, and imaging tests to diagnose vaginal cancer. Treatment depends on the type, size, and stage of the cancer, and may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.

Types of vaginal cancer include:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The most common type. It begins in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. It usually grows slowly and is strongly linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
• Adenocarcinoma: Starts in the glandular cells in the vaginal lining. This type is more likely to spread and may be diagnosed at a later stage.
  • A rare subtype called clear cell adenocarcinoma has been linked to diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth.
• Melanoma: A rare form of vaginal cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells, usually in the lower part of the vagina. It can appear as a dark-colored growth or lump.
• Sarcoma: A rare group of cancers that start in the connective tissue, muscle, or blood vessels of the vagina. Includes leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma (more common in children).

For more information about vaginal cancer, please visit the organizations listed below.