Overview
Vaginal cancer is a very rare cancer that's found anywhere in the vagina. It's most common in women aged 75 and over.
Anyone with a vagina can get vaginal cancer.
The vagina is a tube between the vulva and the opening of the womb (cervix).
Vaginal cancer is nearly always caused by an infection from certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV).
It's often found and prevented by attending cervical screening, which aims to find and treat abnormalities before they turn into cancer.
Vaginal cancer usually grows very slowly and how serious it is depends on how big it is, if it has spread and your general health.
Main Symptoms of vaginal cancer
The main symptoms of vaginal cancer are usually
- a lump in the vagina
- ulcers and other skin changes in or around the vagina
Other symptoms of vaginal cancer include:
- bleeding from the vagina after the menopause
- bleeding after sex or pain during sex
- smelly or bloodstained vaginal discharge
- bleeding between periods
- an itch in your vagina that will not go away
- pain when you pee, or needing to pee a lot
Vaginal pain is rare, especially in women under 40
See a GP if:
- you have any symptoms of vaginal cancer.
These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.
Having them does not definitely mean you have vaginal cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.
This is because if they are caused by cancer, finding it early makes it more treatable.
What happens at your GP appointment
The GP or practice nurse may ask to exmine you.
You can ask for a female doctor or nurse when you book your appointment.
You'll be asked to undress behind a screen, from the waist down. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
Then the GP or nurse may:
- Look at the outside of your vagina (vulva)
- Feel inside your vagina with 2 fingers while pressing on your tummy (they will be wearing gloves)
It should not be painful, but you might find it uncomfortable. Talk to the GP or nurse it you are feeling uncomfortable.
You can have a friend, family member or other member of staff in the room with you during your exam if you want.
You can ask to stop the exam at any time.
Referral to a specialist
You may get an urgent referral for more tests or to see a specialist in hospital if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
More than half of all vaginal cancers are caused by an infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
You can get HPV from:
- any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
- vaginal, anal or oral sex
- sharing sex toys
Who is more likely to get vaginal cancer
You're more likely to get vaginal cancer if:
- you have had an HPV infection
- precancerous cells have been found in your cervix (CIN) or vagina (VAIN)
- you have had cervical cancer
- you are 75 or over - vaginal cancer is more common in older women
- you have lupus, a condition that affects your immune system
- you have HIV or AIDS
- your mother took the hormonal medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you - your GP can discuss these risks with you
- you have womb cancer, especially if you had radiotherapy
Women can still get vaginal cancer even if they've had a hysterectomy.
If you're trans or non-binary and have a vagina, or part of a vagina left from gender surgery, you can also get vaginal cancer, even if you've had a hysterectomy.
How to lower your chance of getting vaginal cancer
You cannot always prevent vaginal cancer
But as there's a link between vaginal cancer and HPV, cervical screening and HPV vaccination are the best ways to protect yourself.
- All women and people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited for regular cervical screening. It helps find and treat any changes in the cells of the cervix before they turn into cancer.
- All children aged 12 to 13 are offerd the HPV vaccine. It helps protect against all cancers caused by HPV, as well as genital warts.
There are some things you can do to lower your chance of getting vaginal warts.
Do:
- use condoms, which lower your chance of getting HPV - but they do not cover all the skin around your genitals, so you are not fully protected.
- quit smoking, as it can weaken your immune system and the chemicals in cigarettes can also cause cervical cancer
- eat a balanced diet to help support your immune system
It's important to get any symptoms of vaginal cancer checked by a GP.
Main test for vaginal cancer (colposcopy)
See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of vaginal cancer. They will refer you to a specialist for tests.
The specialist will examine your tummy and pelvis, the area between your hips, so they can feel the organs there.
They will also do a test to have a closer look at your vulva and vagina. This is called a colposcopy.
You'll be asked to undress from the waist down, behind a screen. You'll be given a sheet to put over you.
During a colposcopy:
- The specialist nurse will ask you to lie back on a bed, usually with your legs bent, feet together and knees apart.
- They will gently put a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) into your vagina. A small amount of lubricant may be used.
- A microscope with a light at the end is used to look at your vagina and cervix. The microscope stays outside your body.
- A small sample of cells (biopsy) may be collected to send to a laboratory.
- The test should take around 15 to 30 minutes.
It should not be painful, but you might find it uncomfortable. Talk to the nurse if you are feeling uncomfortable.
If you have a biopsy, you may have a small amount of bleeding or cramping afterwards.
Find out more:
Cancer Research UK : Pelvic examination and colposcopy for vaginal cancer
Getting your results
It can take several weeks to get the results of your colposcopy.
You may be asked to go to the hospital to get your results, or they may be sent to you in the post.
Try not to worry if your results are taking a long time to get to you. It does not definitely mean anything is wrong.
You can call the hospital or GP if you're worried. They should be able to update you.
A specialist will explain what the results mean and what will happen next.
If you are told you have vaginal cancer
Being told you have vaginal cancer can feel overwhelming. You may be feeling anxious about what will happen next.
It can help to bring someone with you to any appointments you have.
A group of specialists will look after you throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
Your team will include a clinical nurse specialist who will be your main point of contact during and after treatment.
You can ask them any questions you have.
Macmillan Cancer Support has a free helpline that's open every day from 8am to 8pm.
They are there to listen if you have anything you want to talk about.
Call 0808 808 00 00.
Next Steps
If you have been told you have vaginal cancer, you'll usually need more tests.
These, along with the colposcopy, will help the specialists find out the size of the cancer and how far it's spread (called the stage).
You may need:
You may not have all of these tests.
The specialists will use the results of these tests and work with you to decide on the best treatment plan for you.
Treatment for vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is often treatable.
The treatment you have will depend on:
- the size and type of vaginal cancer you have
- where it is in the vagina
- if it has spread
- your general health.
The main treatments for vaginal cancer is radiotherapy. You may also have surgery and chemotherapy.
The specialist team looking after you will:
- explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
- work with you to do a treatment plan that is best you
- help you manage any side effects
If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your check-up.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells. It's the main treatment for vaginal cancer.
Radiotherapy for vaginal cancer can be given from outside or inside the body (brachytherapy)
Find out more:
Surgery
Surgery is usually only used on vaginal cancer that's found early. It's also used if radiotherapy has not worked.
There are several surgeries used to treat vaginal cancer.
Different surgeries involve removing:
- part of the vagina - this is only possible if the cancer is small and is in the upper section of your of your vagina
- all of the vagina - sometimes lymph nodes in your pelvis are removed too
- the vagina, cervix and womb (hysterectomy) - this can include removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes
- the vagina, cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes, and all or parts of the bladder, bowel and rectum – this is only offered if the cancer has spread and other treatment is not possible
Vaginal reconstruction
If your vagina has to be removed, you can ask the surgeon about vaginal reconstruction.
A vaginal reconstruction uses skin and muscle from other parts of your body to create a new vagina.
This means you may be able to have vaginal sex again once you have recovered from the operation.
Ask your surgeon about the risks and benefits of vaginal reconstruction. Some people decide they do not want to have additional surgery.
Find Out More
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells
It's not often on it's own to treat vaginal cancer
You may have chemotherapy with radiotherapy (chemoradiotherapy)
Find out more
Care after your treatment
A member of your specialist team will be able to tell you how often you will need check-ups after your treatment.
You will usually be seen every few months for the first few years. At each visit a doctor or nurse will check if you have any worries or problems.
It can also help to get support from family, friends or a support organisation if you get anxious between appointments.
- Eve Appeal has a free specialist health information helpline to answer any questions you may have. Call 0808 802 0019
- Macmillan Cancer Support also has a free helpline. Call 0808 808 0000
Where to find help and support
You and your loved ones will be supported throughout your treatment by a group of specialists.
The clinical nurse specialist, or another member of your specialist team, will be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.
There are also national cancer charities that offer support and information about vaginal cancer.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer
Cancer Research UK:
Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.
Maggie's Centres
Practical, emotional and social support for anyone affected by cancer.
The Eve Appeal
Information and support for anyone affected by vaginal, ovarian, cervical and vulva cancers.