Vaginal Cancer
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that starts in the vagina, the birth canal that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. It happens when normal cells in the lining of the vagina grow out of control and form a tumor.
Key facts
- Vaginal cancer is rare compared with other women's cancers.
- Most cases are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
- When caught early, vaginal cancer is often treatable and many people recover fully.
No, it is not common. Vaginal cancer makes up about 1–2% of all cancers of the female reproductive system.
It can affect women of any age, but it is most often diagnosed in women over 60. It is very rare in children and young women.
Symptoms
- Heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks through more than one pad or tampon per hour
- Fainting, dizziness, or a racing heartbeat with very heavy bleeding
- Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
- ⚠Any unexplained vaginal bleeding after menopause
- ⚠Bleeding between periods that continues for more than a few days
- ⚠A visible lump in the vagina that is growing or painful
Common symptoms
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as after sex, between periods, or after menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, pink, or foul-smelling
- Pain during or after sexual intercourse
- A lump or growth in the vagina that you or your doctor can feel
- Itching, burning, or soreness in the vagina or pelvic area
Symptoms in children
- Vaginal cancer in children is extremely rare. If symptoms occur, they are the same as in adults, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge, or a lump. Any of these should be checked by a pediatric gynecologist right away.
Symptoms in older adults
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause is the most common symptom.
- Pressure, pain, or a full feeling in the pelvis
- Difficulty urinating or having a bowel movement
- Pelvic pain that does not go away
Causes
Main causes
- Long-term infection with certain types of HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Damage to the vaginal lining that allows abnormal cells to develop
- Genetic changes in the cells of the vagina that cause them to multiply too quickly
Risk factors
- Being infected with high-risk HPV strains
- Smoking
- Age over 60
- Having had cervical cancer or precancerous changes of the cervix
- Being exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb (a medication once given to some pregnant women)
- A weakened immune system, for example from an organ transplant or HIV
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Any vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Unusual bleeding, discharge, or pain that lasts for more than a week
- A new or growing lump in the vaginal area
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you have missed routine cervical screening (smear test) and are due for one
- If you have pain during sex that worries you, even if it’s not constant
- If you have any symptoms that keep coming and going and don’t get better
Diagnosis
A doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and do a gentle internal (pelvic) examination. If they see anything suspicious, they will refer you to a specialist, usually a gynecologist, for further tests.
Tests that may be done
- Pelvic examination (a doctor looks and feels inside the vagina)
- Pap smear (a small brush collects cells from the cervix and vagina to check for changes)
- Colposcopy (a special magnifying camera looks closely at the vagina and cervix)
- Biopsy (a tiny piece of tissue is taken and sent to a lab to look for cancer cells)
- Imaging scans like MRI or CT to see if cancer has spread
What to expect at your appointment
The tests can feel a little uncomfortable but are usually quick. Your results may take a few weeks. If a cancer is found, the specialist will explain the stage and discuss the treatment plan with you in detail. You will not be alone in the process.
Treatment
Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health and wishes. Your healthcare team will create a plan tailored to you, and you will be guided through each step.
Self-care at home
- Ask as many questions as you need until you feel confident about your treatment plan
- Take time to rest and recover, especially after surgery or radiation therapy
- Talk to your care team about managing side effects like fatigue, pain, or changes to your body
- Keep a diary of symptoms to share with your doctor
Medical treatments
Treatment approaches may include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and chemotherapy (using medicines to stop cancer cells from growing). Sometimes a combination of these is used. Other options such as immunotherapy or targeted therapy (medicines that target specific cancer cell changes) may be available. The choice depends on your situation and will be explained clearly.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is often the first treatment for early-stage vaginal cancer. It might remove just the tumor and a small area of normal tissue around it, or in some cases, the entire vagina or nearby organs may need to be removed. Your surgeon will discuss exactly what is needed and how it will affect you.
Living with this condition
After treatment, you may feel very tired for a while. It helps to plan your days with rest periods, and to accept offers of help from family and friends. You might also need time to adjust emotionally to body changes.
Lifestyle tips
- If you smoke, try to stop; smoking can hurt recovery and increase the risk of cancer coming back
- Give your body time to heal before having sex again; your care team will tell you when it’s safe
- If sex becomes uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about lubricants or other ways to help
Diet and exercise
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein can help you keep up your strength. Gentle daily walks and light stretching can also boost your energy, but check with your doctor before starting any exercise after surgery or during radiation.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
It’s completely normal to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis. These feelings can be temporary, but if they last, do not hesitate to seek support. Helping your mental health is just as important as treating your physical body.
Prevention
Not always, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. Not smoking, getting the HPV vaccine, and attending regular cervical screening can all help reduce the chances of vaginal cancer.
Vaccines
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV most often linked to vaginal cancer. It is usually given to preteens, but older people may also benefit. Ask your healthcare provider if the vaccine is right for you.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening test specifically for vaginal cancer. However, regular cervical screening (a smear test) can detect early cell changes in the cervix and vagina that could lead to cancer if left untreated. It is important to attend these when invited.
Complications
If left untreated
- The cancer can grow deeper into the vaginal wall and surrounding tissues
- It can spread to nearby organs such as the bladder, rectum, or lymph nodes
- It can travel to distant parts of the body, making treatment more difficult
Long-term outlook
The outlook for vaginal cancer is better when it is found early. Many women are cured with treatment, and the outlook has improved over the years as treatments have become more effective. Even if the cancer is advanced, there are often ways to shrink it and control symptoms for a good quality of life.
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
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Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 31, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.