Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare growth of abnormal cells in the vagina. Typical initial signs of vaginal cancer include unusual discharge, pelvic pain, and/or abnormal bleeding. Some types are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially persistent infection. A history of prior gynecologic cancers such as cervical cancer can increase the risk. A majority of those diagnosed are older adults, with the average age of diagnosis being 67.
Vaginal Cancer Types
Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This type of vaginal cancer begins in the thin, flat cells that line the surface of the vagina just like they line the surface of the skin, called squamous cells. This is the most common type of vaginal cancer.
Vaginal Adenocarcinoma
This type of vaginal cancer emerges from the glandular cells on the surface of the vagina, and is more rare. It is linked with a medicine once used to prevent miscarriage, called diethylstilbestrol.
Vaginal Melanoma
This type of vaginal cancer begins in the melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells, and is relatively rare compared to vulvar melanoma.
Vaginal Sarcoma
This type of vaginal cancer emerges from the connective tissues or muscles of the vaginal walls, and is very rare.
Vaginal Cancer Symptoms
- A mass or lump in the vagina
- Pelvic pain
- Atypical vaginal bleeding (e.g., after menopause, between periods, or after sex)
- Vaginal discharge
- Painful or frequent urination
- Constipation
Vaginal Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
- Increasing age (vaginal cancer occurs most often in older adults)
- HPV exposure, especially persistent HPV infection
- Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN)
- History of cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia
- Smoking tobacco
- DES (diethylstilbestrol) exposure, typically if a parent took DES while pregnant with the patient with vaginal cancer
Vaginal Cancer Diagnosis
Regular pelvic exams and Pap tests that look for signs of cervical cancer can sometimes spot vaginal cancer as well. Beyond pelvic exams, a colposcopy can be used to inspect the vagina with a lighted and magnified view. If anything suspicious is found, a biopsy will be performed so that a sample of tissue can be tested for cancer cells in a lab.
Vaginal Cancer Treatment
Vaginal cancer treatment generally starts with both radiation therapy and chemotherapy, but some very small cancers may begin with surgery to excise the cancerous tissues. The treatment plan is always individualized to the particular patient, their cancer, and their overall health. Radiation therapy includes both external and internal radiation; internal radiation is called brachytherapy, in which a radioactive device is inserted into the vagina for treatment. Other brachytherapies use cylinders, wires, seeds, and other shapes put into the vagina to deliver radiation. After a set amount of time, the radiating device is removed.
Low-dose chemotherapy is administered to kill vaginal cancer cells through a prescribed medicine. Surgical interventions include removing either part or all of the vagina; in more advanced cases, a pelvic exenteration is used to remove multiple pelvic organs, potentially including the uterus, bladder, ovaries, and rectum as well as the vagina, after which openings are created in the abdomen to allow waste to expel from the body. If the vagina is removed completely, patients can choose to have a surgery to make a new vagina. Immunotherapy is another potential vaginal cancer treatment to consider as a part of an overall treatment plan.
Vaginal Cancer Prognosis
Prognosis for vaginal cancer depends upon which type of cancer is diagnosed and at which stage. Early stage vaginal cancers are most likely to be treated with successful outcomes, while late-stage cancers are harder to treat and may require ongoing chemotherapy. Generally, squamous cell carcinoma has a better prognosis than adenocarcinoma. Tumor location in the upper third of the vagina tends to lead to more positive treatment outcomes, while older age and tumor sizes greater than 4 cm lead to worse prognosis. Each vaginal cancer case is different and specific to the type and stage of vaginal cancer and the patient's health both before and during treatment. An experienced gynecologic oncologist can work with you to ensure the best possible results from your vaginal cancer treatment plan.
Why Choose UsTrusted Providers of Gynecologic Oncology in the Phoenix, AZ Metro Area
Women's Cancer Institute of Arizona offers high quality women's cancer care in the metro Phoenix area. Our gynecologic oncology specialists offer the best vaginal cancer treatments to meet each individual patient's needs, ensuring that every woman has the best chance for a successful outcome from their treatment plan.