Vaginal Cancer
Key points
- Vaginal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the vagina, also called the birth canal.
- Keep in mind that these symptoms more commonly occur in a number of less dangerous conditions, such as infections of the reproductive organs.
- Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, your symptoms and any risk factors you might have for vaginal cancer.
- Unless treated, vaginal cancer continues to grow and spread.
What Is It?
Vaginal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the vagina, also called the birth canal.
Vaginal cancer is rare, accounting for only about 3 percent of cancers affecting the female reproductive system. There are two main types:
- In squamous-cell carcinoma, cancer cells grow from the surface layer of the vagina's lining. Squamous-cell carcinomas usually develop slowly. They commonly develop in the upper part of the vagina near the cervix. According to the National Cancer Institute, this type of vaginal cancer usually occurs in women between aged 50 and 70. According to the American Cancer Society, squamous-cell carcinomas account for 85 percent to 90 percent of vaginal cancers.
- In adenocarcinomas, cancer cells arise from glands within the vaginal wall. According to the American Cancer Society, this type usually occurs over the age of 50. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 5 percent to 10 percent of vaginal cancers are adenocarcinomas.
Daughters of mothers who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant have an increased risk of developing a rare form of vaginal cancer called clear-cell adenocarcinoma. DES, which was introduced in the 1940s to help prevent miscarriages, was banned from use in the United States in 1971.
Other, less common types of vaginal cancer include malignant melanomas and sarcomas. Melanoma tends to affect the lower or outer part of the vagina and sarcomas develop deep in the vaginal wall.
Symptoms
The symptoms of vaginal cancer can include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, often after intercourse, that is not related to your period
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- A mass that can be felt
- Pain during intercourse
- Pain in the pelvic region
- Painful urination and constipation
Keep in mind that these symptoms more commonly occur in a number of less dangerous conditions, such as infections of the reproductive organs. These symptoms should always be evaluated by a health-care provider.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, your symptoms and any risk factors you might have for vaginal cancer. He or she will perform an internal pelvic exam and Pap smear. During a Pap smear, a small wooden or plastic stick is used to brush cells from the vagina and cervix. These cells are examined for abnormalities. If the exam or Pap smear shows any abnormalities, additional tests may include:
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.