Vaginal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

Vaginal cancer develops when abnormal cells form in the vagina and grow uncontrollably, leading to the destruction of healthy tissue. These cancerous cells multiply rapidly, which can cause significant damage to the surrounding areas of the body. The key symptoms of vaginal cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, like bleeding between periods, or post-menopause, or after intercourse. The vagina is a flexible, muscular passage that links the uterus to the external genital area. It’s also essential during childbirth, which is why it’s often referred to as the “birth canal.”

This type of cancer is uncommon, with most cases occurring when cancer spreads to the vagina from other parts of the body. Primary vaginal cancer, which originates in the vagina, is uncommon, whereas secondary vaginal cancer is more prevalent and spreads from other parts of the body to the vaginal tissue.

Types

• Squamous cell carcinoma: This type usually develops slowly and remains localized, though it can spread to other main organs, such as the liver, lungs, or bones. It most commonly affects older women, with those aged 60 and above accounting for nearly half of all new cases.
• Adenocarcinoma: This kind develops from glandular cells that line the inside of your vagina and produce fluids like mucus. It’s more likely to spread to other locations, such as your lungs and the lymph nodes in your groin (tiny organs that filter harmful substances from your body).
• Vaginal Melanoma: It develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for the color of the vagina. Vaginal melanomas are extremely rare.
• Vaginal Sarcoma: It forms in the connective and muscle tissue of the vaginal wall. Like melanoma, vaginal sarcomas are also uncommon. Different types of sarcoma exist, with rhabdomyosarcoma being the most common, primarily affecting children. Leiomyosarcoma, on the other hand, occurs more frequently in individuals over 50.

In rare cases, vaginal cancer can affect pigment-producing cells, muscle, connective tissue, or develop as a sarcoma, such as melanoma.

Causes and Risk Factors

There is no known cause for some cases of vaginal cancer. However, most are connected to HPV or human papillomavirus infection. Most of the time, an HPV infection resolves on its own, but if it persists, it can result in cervical and vaginal cancer.

Additionally, you may be at an increased risk for vaginal cancer if you:

• Are aged 60 or more
• Have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Drink alcohol
• Have precancerous lesions or cervical cancer
• Have HIV
• Smoking
• Have vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, which is uncommon in cells

Symptoms

Symptoms of vaginal cancer are frequently absent. However, your doctor might discover it during a routine exam or Pap test. If you experience symptoms, they might be:

• Your vagina is bleeding unusually
• Vaginal discharge that is watery or foul smelling.
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Pain while urinating
• Peeing more frequently than normal
• Constipation
• A lump in the vagina

None of these indications necessarily indicate vaginal cancer. You might only be infected. However, it’s crucial to have it examined.

Stages

After making the diagnosis, your doctor will perform imaging tests and other examinations to determine whether vaginal cancer has spread to other areas of your body. This aids them in determining the cancer’s stage and course of treatment. They are as follows:

• Stage I: Only the vaginal wall of your body has cancer.
• Stage II: The tissue surrounding your vagina has been affected.
• Stage III: The pelvic wall has been affected by cancer.
• Stage IV (a): Your rectum, bladder lining, or another part of your pelvis has been affected by cancer.
• Stage IV(b): It has advanced to your bones or lungs, among other distant areas.

Diagnosis

Your doctor might perform a colposcopy to have a closer look if a pelvic exam or Pap test indicates there may be a problem. Your vagina and cervix will be examined with a colposcope and a lighted magnification tool. They might also remove some tissue so a professional can examine it under a microscope. It’s known as a biopsy.

Treatment

The course of treatment is influenced by multiple factors, including how advanced the cancer is, how close it is to other organs, previous pelvic radiation, and whether the uterus has already been surgically removed. Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following treatments:

Surgery: This is the treatment method used most often. To remove tissue or growths, your doctor could employ a laser. Your vagina may be entirely or partially removed in various circumstances. Your cervix or other organs may require removal during a hysterectomy. After surgery, many women can resume their regular sexual lives. However, sex can increase your risk of infection, lead to bleeding, or stress the surgical site. Your doctor will advise you on what is and is not safe to do.

Radiation treatment: High-powered X-rays or other types of radiation are used to kill cancer. Your doctor may put a radioactive substance within your body, on or near the malignancy, or they may use a machine that delivers X-rays. The ovaries in your pelvis may be harmed by radiation therapy. They may stop producing estrogen as a result, which can cause vaginal dryness and hot flashes, two signs of menopause. You won’t likely experience these issues if you’ve already gone through menopause. It can also irritate healthy tissue when used as therapy. Your vagina may become painful and swollen. Sex may cause discomfort.

Chemotherapy (chemo): This uses medicine to eradicate or halt cancer cell growth. The medication may be ingested or administered intravenously (intravenous or IV). Your doctor may occasionally administer chemotherapy to you as a lotion or cream.

You can experience adverse effects like nausea, hair loss, and changes in body weight, or you might lose your libido. After treatment, these will get better or disappear.

Prevention

Your risk of vaginal cancer can be decreased by making several lifestyle changes:

• Delay having sexual relations until your late teens or later.
• Have sex with only one partner at a time.
• Don’t engage in sexual activity with multiple partners.
• When having sex, use condoms.
• Regularly have Pap tests.
• Stop smoking if you do.

Whom to Consult for Vaginal Cancer?

If you notice any symptoms or signs, schedule a consultation with your general physician or a gynecologist first. If vaginal cancer is discovered, you’ll probably be directed to a doctor who specializes in cancers of the female reproductive system (gynecologic oncologist)

Frequently Asked Questions