BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuVaginal cancerVaginal cancer; Cancer - vagina; Tumor - vaginalVaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina, a female reproductive organ. Causes Most vaginal cancers occur when another cancer, such as cervical, vulvar, or endometrial cancer, spreads. This is called secondary vaginal cancer.CervicalCervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Endometrial cancerEndometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer that starts in the vagina is called primary vaginal cancer. This type of cancer is rare. Most primary vaginal cancers start in skin-like cells called squamous cells. This cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma. The other types include:Adenocarcinoma Melanoma SarcomaThe cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is unknown. But a history of cervical cancer is common in women with squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina. So it may be associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.Most women with squamous cell cancer of the vagina are over 50. Adenocarcinoma of the vagina tends to affect younger women. The average age at which this cancer is diagnosed is 19. Women whose mothers took the medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriages during the first 3 months of pregnancy are more likely to develop vaginal adenocarcinoma.MiscarriagesA miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Pregnancy losses after the 20th week are called stillbirths. Mi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sarcoma of the vagina is a rare cancer that mainly occurs in infancy and early childhood. Symptoms Symptoms of vaginal cancer can include any of the following:Bleeding after having sex Painless vaginal bleeding and discharge not due to normal period Pain in the pelvis or vaginaSome women have no symptoms. Exams and Tests In women with no symptoms, the cancer may be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test.Pap testThe Pap test mainly checks for changes that may turn into cervical cancer. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are examined under a microsc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests to diagnose vaginal cancer include:Biopsy BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article ColposcopyColposcopyA colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This he...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests that may be done to check if the cancer has spread include:Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan and MRI of the abdomen and pelvis CT scanA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests that may be done to know the stage of the vaginal cancer include:Cystoscopy CystoscopyCystoscopy is a surgical procedure. This is done to see the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Barium enema Barium enemaBarium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Intravenous urography (x-ray of kidney, ureters and bladder using contrast material)Intravenous urographyAn intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a special x-ray exam of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladd...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment of vaginal cancer depends on:The type of cancer How far the disease has spreadSurgery is sometimes used if the cancer is small and located at the upper part of the vagina. Most women are treated with radiation. If the tumor is cervical cancer that has spread to the vagina, radiation and chemotherapy are both given.RadiationRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sarcoma may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.Support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook for women with vaginal cancer depends on the size and the stage of disease and the specific type of tumor. Possible Complications Vaginal cancer may spread to other areas of the body. Complications can occur from radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:You notice bleeding after sex You have persistent vaginal bleeding or discharge Prevention There are no definite ways to prevent this cancer.The HPV vaccine is approved to help prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine may also decrease the risk of getting some other HPV-associated cancers, such as vaginal cancer. You can increase your chance of early detection by getting regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears.HPV vaccineAll content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): www. cdc. gov/vaccines/hcp/vi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBodurka DC, Frumovitz M. Malignant diseases of the vagina: intraepithelial neoplasia, carcinoma, sarcoma. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 31.Jhingran A, Russell AH, Seiden MV, et al. Cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 84.PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Vaginal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. 2022 Feb 24. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002–. PMID: 26389242 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26389242/.AllVideoImagesTogFemale reproductive anatomy - illustration Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.Female reproductive anatomyillustrationUterus - illustration The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth. UterusillustrationNormal uterine anatomy (cut section) - illustration The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)illustrationFemale reproductive anatomy - illustration Internal structures of the female reproductive anatomy include the uterus, ovaries, and cervix. External structures include the labium minora and majora, the vagina and the clitoris.Female reproductive anatomyillustrationUterus - illustration The uterus is a hollow muscular organ located in the female pelvis between the bladder and rectum. The ovaries produce the eggs that travel through the fallopian tubes. Once the egg has left the ovary it can be fertilized and implant itself in the lining of the uterus. The main function of the uterus is to nourish the developing fetus prior to birth. UterusillustrationNormal uterine anatomy (cut section) - illustration The uterus is a muscular organ with thick walls, two upper openings to the fallopian tubes and an inferior opening to the vagina.Normal uterine anatomy (cut section)illustrationRelated Information Cervical cancer(Condition)Endometrial cancer(Condition)Squamous cell skin cancer(Condition)Cervical cancer - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 1/1/2022 Reviewed By: Howard Goodman, MD, Gynecologic Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, West Palm Beach, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. 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Vaginal cancerVaginal cancer; Cancer - vagina; Tumor - vaginalVaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina, a female reproductive organ. Causes Most vaginal cancers occur when another cancer, such as cervical, vulvar, or endometrial cancer, spreads. This is called secondary vaginal cancer.CervicalCervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Endometrial cancerEndometrial cancer is cancer that starts in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus (womb).ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cancer that starts in the vagina is called primary vaginal cancer. This type of cancer is rare. Most primary vaginal cancers start in skin-like cells called squamous cells. This cancer is known as squamous cell carcinoma. The other types include:Adenocarcinoma Melanoma SarcomaThe cause of squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is unknown. But a history of cervical cancer is common in women with squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina. So it may be associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection.Most women with squamous cell cancer of the vagina are over 50. Adenocarcinoma of the vagina tends to affect younger women. The average age at which this cancer is diagnosed is 19. Women whose mothers took the medicine diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriages during the first 3 months of pregnancy are more likely to develop vaginal adenocarcinoma.MiscarriagesA miscarriage is the spontaneous loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy. Pregnancy losses after the 20th week are called stillbirths. Mi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sarcoma of the vagina is a rare cancer that mainly occurs in infancy and early childhood. Symptoms Symptoms of vaginal cancer can include any of the following:Bleeding after having sex Painless vaginal bleeding and discharge not due to normal period Pain in the pelvis or vaginaSome women have no symptoms. Exams and Tests In women with no symptoms, the cancer may be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test.Pap testThe Pap test mainly checks for changes that may turn into cervical cancer. Cells scraped from the opening of the cervix are examined under a microsc...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests to diagnose vaginal cancer include:Biopsy BiopsyA biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.Read Article Now Book Mark Article ColposcopyColposcopyA colposcopy is a special way of looking at the cervix. It uses a light and a low-powered microscope to make the cervix appear much larger. This he...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests that may be done to check if the cancer has spread include:Chest x-ray Chest x-rayA chest x-ray is an x-ray of the chest, lungs, heart, large arteries, ribs, and diaphragm.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article CT scan and MRI of the abdomen and pelvis CT scanA computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body. Related tests include:Abdomin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MRIA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article PET scanPET scanA positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a type of imaging test. It uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to look for disease in the body...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other tests that may be done to know the stage of the vaginal cancer include:Cystoscopy CystoscopyCystoscopy is a surgical procedure. This is done to see the inside of the bladder and urethra using a thin, lighted tube.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Barium enema Barium enemaBarium enema is a special x-ray of the large intestine, which includes the colon and rectum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Intravenous urography (x-ray of kidney, ureters and bladder using contrast material)Intravenous urographyAn intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a special x-ray exam of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladd...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment of vaginal cancer depends on:The type of cancer How far the disease has spreadSurgery is sometimes used if the cancer is small and located at the upper part of the vagina. Most women are treated with radiation. If the tumor is cervical cancer that has spread to the vagina, radiation and chemotherapy are both given.RadiationRadiation therapy uses high-powered radiation (such as x-rays or gamma rays), particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article ChemotherapyThe term chemotherapy is used to describe cancer-killing drugs. Chemotherapy may be used to:Cure the cancerShrink the cancerPrevent the cancer from ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sarcoma may be treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Support Groups You can ease the stress of illness by joining a support group whose members share common experiences and problems.Support groupThe following organizations are good resources for information on cancer:American Cancer Society. Support and online communities. www. cancer. org/...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Outlook (Prognosis) The outlook for women with vaginal cancer depends on the size and the stage of disease and the specific type of tumor. Possible Complications Vaginal cancer may spread to other areas of the body. Complications can occur from radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. When to Contact a Medical Professional Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:You notice bleeding after sex You have persistent vaginal bleeding or discharge Prevention There are no definite ways to prevent this cancer.The HPV vaccine is approved to help prevent cervical cancer. This vaccine may also decrease the risk of getting some other HPV-associated cancers, such as vaginal cancer. You can increase your chance of early detection by getting regular pelvic examinations and Pap smears.HPV vaccineAll content below is taken in its entirety from the CDC HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine Information Statement (VIS): www. cdc. gov/vaccines/hcp/vi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Open ReferencesReferencesBodurka DC, Frumovitz M. Malignant diseases of the vagina: intraepithelial neoplasia, carcinoma, sarcoma. In: Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Lentz GM, Valea FA, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 31.Jhingran A, Russell AH, Seiden MV, et al. Cancers of the cervix, vulva, and vagina. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Kastan MB, Doroshow JH, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 84.PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Vaginal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®): Health Professional Version. 2022 Feb 24. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); 2002–. PMID: 26389242 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26389242/.