Vaginal Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment 

Introduction

Vaginal cancer refers to cancer that starts in the cells of the vagina¹. It contributes to 1%-2% of all cancers affecting the female reproductive system and mostly affects women in their later life².  

Vaginal cancer often does not show any symptoms in its early stages. However, an awareness of its signs and symptoms and adopting certain preventive measures can help in early detection and thereby curing the disease³. In this blog, we will cover what vaginal cancer is, its types, causes, signs and symptoms, and treatment. 

What Is Vaginal Cancer?

Vagina is a part of the female reproductive system that connects the cervix (opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body¹. Vaginal cancer is a rare form of cancer that develops in the vagina and more commonly seen with advancing age. It may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, a lump in the vagina, pelvic pain, or pain during sex⁴. 

Vaginal cancer can be primary, meaning that the cancer starts in the cells of the vagina, or secondary (metastatic), meaning that cancer that started in another part of the body has spread to the vagina⁵. 

Vaginal cancer is included under gynaecologic cancers along with cervical, ovarian, uterine and vulvar cancers. The name of cancer is determined by the organ the cancer has developed from. Cervical cancer develops from the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus; ovarian cancer from the ovaries, which are situated on each side of the uterus; uterine cancer from the uterus; and vulvar cancer from the vulva, which is the outer part of the female sex organs⁶. 

Types of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancers are divided into mainly four types based on the type of cells from which they originate and can be⁷:

• Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: These types of cancers arise from the flat cells lining the vagina⁷. They are considered the most common type of vaginal cancer and comprise approximately 90% of all vaginal tumours².
• Vaginal Adenocarcinoma: Cancers that arise from the glandular cells of the vagina⁷. 2% to 4% of vaginal cancers are adenocarcinomas, and younger women are mostly affected². 
• Vaginal Melanoma: Cancers that arise from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the vagina. 
• Vaginal Sarcoma: Smooth muscle cells or connective tissue cells are involved in this type of cancer⁷. 

In addition to these, there are some other types of vaginal cancers which are extremely rare. These include small cell cancer (oat cell cancer), vaginal lymphoma, and carcinoid cancer, which develop from different types of cells in and around the vagina⁸. 

Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Early Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

When vaginal cancer is in its early stages and only involves the cells of the vagina, signs and symptoms may not be seen.  

Some signs and symptoms, if present in early stages, include^9,10:

• Pain during sex 
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (particularly after sex or after menopause) 
• Vaginal itching that does not go away 
• Pain or increased frequency when urinating 
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain 

Late Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer symptoms and signs may be more commonly observed once the cancer has spread. These include⁹: 

• Unusual, smelly, or bloodstained vaginal discharge 
• A lump or mass in the vagina (that you can feel) 
• Ulcers or other skin changes in or around the vagina 
• Constipation or back pain (more common in advanced disease) 
• Swelling of the legs (more common in advanced disease) 

Note: These signs and symptoms are not characteristic and might not point towards vaginal cancer in every situation. If you suspect any of these symptoms, please consult your doctor. 

Causes and Risk Factors of Vaginal Cancer

The causes of vaginal cancer can be certain infections or other environmental factors, which include^2,4,11: 

• Infection caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of vaginal cancer.  
• Conditions (such as HIV or AIDS) that weaken the immune system may increase the risk of vaginal cancer. 
• Radiation treatment to the pelvis (including for womb cancer) may increase the risk of developing vaginal cancer later. 
• Exposure to diethylstilbesterol (DES) even before birth may be associated with an increased risk of clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina. 

Long-term use of certain devices such as pessaries may cause chronic irritation and might be associated with a possible increased risk. 

While the above-mentioned may not be the direct causes of vaginal cancer, they can act as cofactors which, when present along with other contributing factors, might induce/increase the risk of cancer development. People with these risk factors, along with an increased age might have a higher chance of getting cancer⁴. 

What Does Vaginal Cancer Look Like?

Appearance of vaginal cancers can vary based on the type of cancer and the cells which are involved. Squamous cell carcinoma, being the most common, often present as small lumps or sores on the affected area. Verrucous type of vaginal cancer often presents as a wart (a small outgrowth visible on your skin). Some of the cancers, such as adenocarcinoma, might be difficult to recognise as they may be present deep inside the vaginal canal⁸. However, vaginal cancer cannot be diagnosed by its physical appearance alone. Instead, a correlation between the clinical symptoms along with the possible histories needs to be assessed by a doctor, and further diagnostic measures can only determine the condition. 

How Is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of vaginal cancer initially consists of taking a personal and family history, followed by some of the procedures. These can be^4,12: 

• Pelvic Examination: Here, the reproductive organs such as the vagina, cervix, uterus, along with the rectum are examined. An instrument called a speculum is inserted into the vagina, and the vagina, cervix, and other surrounding areas are checked for any unusual changes, such as lumps, sores, or abnormal tissue. 
• Pap and HPV Tests: For these, cells are collected from the cervix and tested for abnormal or precancerous changes (Pap test) and genetic material of high-risk HPV infection (HPV test). However, these tests are used to screen for cervical disease and do not directly check for vaginal cancer. 
• Colposcopy: A magnifying device called a colposcope is used to examine any abnormalities in the cervix or vagina. Samples are taken by using a brush or curette and are evaluated under a microscope. 
• Biopsy: If an abnormal area is found during any of the above tests, a small sample of tissue from the vagina or cervix is removed and examined under a microscope. This helps to confirm whether cancer cells are present or not. 
• Imaging Tests: Further, tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET) may be used to assess the size and local extent of the tumour, detect lymph node involvement, or spread to other parts of the body. 

Additional tests may be needed if cancer is confirmed. Please consult your doctor for the appropriate diagnostic tests for you. 

Vaginal Cancer Treatment

Management and treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer and may involve a combination of any of the options mentioned below. Common management options include¹²: 

• Surgeries: Surgery may involve removing the tumour along with a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue. In some cases, part or all of the vagina, the uterus and cervix, or nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed. More extensive surgery may be needed if the cancer is in its advanced stages and has spread to nearby organs. This may involve removing affected organs and nearby lymph nodes. 
• Radiation Therapy: Here, high energy radiations are used to destroy cancer cells and prevent their multiplication. It can be external therapy in which an external machine is used to emit radiation, and internal therapy in which some radiation-emitting substances are incorporated in needles, catheters or wires and are kept near the cancer areas. In vaginal cancer, choosing of the choice of therapy depends on the type and stage of cancer. 
• Chemotherapy: Preventing the multiplication or killing cancer cells using certain drugs is termed chemotherapy. It can be taken by mouth, by injection, placing on areas affected by cancer, or topical chemotherapies are available.  

Note: Choosing any option over the other depends upon the type and stage of the cancer. A team of different doctors works together to plan the most suitable treatment plan for you. 

Some Newer Treatment Modalities

• Immunotherapy: Some immune response modifiers are used to enhance the body’s own natural immune system. 
• Radiosensitisers: Certain drugs which make the tumour cells more sensitive to radiation therapies are used here. 

Important: The vaginal cancer treatments might have some side effects and are determined by the type of treatment that is adopted. Only your doctor can decide which treatment is suitable for you based on your individualised health concerns. 

Can Vaginal Cancer Be Prevented?

While cancers are usually a combination of genetic and epigenetic factors, it may be difficult to prevent them all together. However, certain preventive measures taken early on may help in lowering the risk of vaginal cancer in some cases¹³. These are^11,14:

• Getting an HPV vaccine: Since HPV infection is the key preventable risk factor linked to vaginal cancer, taking measures such as HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening can help reduce the risk of developing HPV-related vaginal cancer. 
• Safe sexual practices: Practises like limiting the number of partners and using condoms can help in reducing the risk of getting HPV induced cancers. 
• Avoid smoking: Since smoking is considered a risk factor for vaginal cancer, avoidance can help reduce the risk of vaginal cancer. 
• Get regular screenings: There is no routine screening test for vaginal cancer in people without symptoms. However, regular cervical screening as recommended for your age and risk factors can help detect cervical abnormalities and HPV-related changes that may require further evaluation.  

Also Read: Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types, Stages, and Treatment Options

When to Consult a Doctor?

Certain factors are involved in the higher chances of occurrence of vaginal cancer.  Women with these factors are advised to consult their doctor to check for any associated symptoms and the need for further tests. These factors are¹⁴:

• Women who already have a history of HPV infection 
• Any history of cervical cancer or abnormal changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer (cervical precancer). 
• Women who have certain conditions which reduce the body’s immunity, such as infections by human herpes virus (HIV). 
• Women who have a history of smoking 
• Presence of prolonged burning or itching sensations in the vulvar regions 

Though early stages of vaginal cancer do not show any symptoms, advanced stages might exhibit abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharges, painful episodes while peeing or during intercourse, constipation, and presence of blood in the stool or urine. The presence of any of these symptoms needs to be assessed by a doctor. However, these symptoms need not be present in every vaginal cancer case. Understanding your body can be helpful in identifying the changes that happen and thereby timely detection of whatever caused these symptoms. It need not be caused by cancer every time, and your doctor is the best person who can evaluate this. 

A regular check-up with your doctor can also be beneficial in finding the early changes associated with it and thereby taking appropriate measures¹⁴. 

Also Read: Does Anal Sex Increase the Risk of Colon Cancer?

Conclusion

Abnormal growth of cells in the vagina is termed vaginal cancer. Though it is a rare type of cancer, it can affect the quality of life of women, especially women in their older ages. Early symptoms might not be that pronounced in vaginal cancer; however, in advanced stages, certain symptoms can be seen. Understanding what is normal for your body and getting regular screenings done can help in detecting the changes earlier and taking appropriate measures faster. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Vaginal Cancer. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/vaginalcancer.html 

2. Merino MJ. Vaginal cancer: the role of infectious and environmental factors. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1991;165(4 Pt 2):1255-1262. doi:10.1016/s0002-9378(12)90738-3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1659200/

3. Vaginal Cancer—Patient Version – NCI. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/vaginal 

4. Vaginal Cancer – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559126/

5. Adams TS, Maluleke JC, Cuello MA. Cancer of the vagina: 2025 update. Int J Gynecol Obstet. 2025;171(S1):48-59. doi:10.1002/ijgo.70325 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40631450/

6. CDC. Gynecologic Cancers Basics. Gynecologic Cancers. February 3, 2025. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/gynecologic-cancer/about/index.html 

7. Loeser C. Vaginal Cancer | Foundation For Women’s Cancer. October 12, 2022. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://foundationforwomenscancer.org/gynecologic-cancers/gynecologic-cancer-types/vaginal-cancer/ 

8. Types of vaginal cancer. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/vaginal-cancer/types-grades 

9. Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/vaginal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html 

10. Symptoms of vaginal cancer. nhs.uk. December 9, 2021. Accessed August 27, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-cancer/symptoms/ 

11. Causes of vaginal cancer. nhs.uk. December 9, 2021. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-cancer/causes/ 

12. Vaginal Cancer Treatment – NCI. February 10, 2026. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.cancer.gov/types/vaginal/patient/vaginal-treatment-pdq 

13. Vaginal cancer | nidirect. December 17, 2018. Accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/vaginal-cancer 

14. Vaginal and vulvar cancers. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GOVPUB-HE20_7000-PURL-LPS125355/pdf/GOVPUB-HE20_7000-PURL-LPS125355.pdf 

15. Cervical cancer: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000893.htm 

16. Jeanmonod R, Skelly CL, Jenkins SM, Agresti D. Vaginal Bleeding. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2026. Accessed August 26, 2026. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470230/ 

17. Biopsy of the Vulva or Vagina. North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. August 6, 2026. Accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.nth.nhs.uk/resources/biopsy-of-the-vulva-or-vagina/ 

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