If your doctor finds precancerous changes in cells of the vagina, he or she can recommend effective treatment options that help reduce the chance of cancer developing.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus with more than 200 different kinds or types. More than 30 of the types can be passed from one person to another through close skin-to-skin contact during sex. Almost all cervical cancers, and some vaginal, vulvar, and other cancers, are caused by HPV.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens age 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
If vaccination is started before age 15, a two-dose schedule is recommended, with the doses given 6 to 12 months apart. For people who start the series after their 15th birthday, the vaccine is given in a series of three shots.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
A woman’s vagina -- their birth canal -- is a channel that goes from the opening of their uterus to the outside of their body. Many kinds of cancer can spread to the vagina from somewhere else, but cancer that starts here is rare. There are about 6,000 new cases in the U.S. each year.
Vaginal Cancer After MenopauseSquamous cell carcinoma. This is by far the more common. It happens when cancer forms in the flat, thin cells that line your vagina. This type spreads slowly and tends to stay close to where it starts, but it can move into other places like your liver, lungs, or bones. Older women are most likely to get this form. Nearly half of all new cases are in women ages 60 and up.
Adenocarcinoma. This type starts in glandular cells in the lining of your vagina, which make mucus and other fluids. It’s more likely to spread to other areas, including your lungs and the lymph nodes (small organs that filter out harmful things in your body) in your groin.
Clear cell carcinoma. This is an even rarer form of adenocarcinoma. It often affects women whose mothers took a hormone called diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the early months of pregnancy. Between 1938 and 1971, doctors often prescribed this medication to prevent miscarriage and other problems.
Even more rarely, vaginal cancer can form in connective tissue or muscle cells (sarcoma) or in cells that make pigments (melanoma).
Some cases of vaginal cancer don’t have a clear cause. But most are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV. This is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). An HPV infection most often goes away on its own, but if it lingers, it can lead to cervical and vaginal cancer.
You also might be more likely to get vaginal cancer if you: Are 60 or older Were exposed to DES Drink alcohol Have cervical cancer or precancerous lesions Have HIV Smoke Have unusual cells in your vagina called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia Vaginal Cancer Symptoms Vaginal cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms. Your doctor might find it during a routine exam or Pap test. If you have symptoms, they can include:
Unusual bleeding from your vagina Watery or bad-smelling discharge from your vagina Pain in your pelvis Pain when having sex Pain when peeing Peeing more than usual Constipation A lump in your vagina If you notice any of these things, it doesn’t mean you have vaginal cancer. You could just have an infection. But it’s important to get it checked out.
If a pelvic exam or a Pap test shows signs of a problem, your doctor may want to take a closer look by doing a colposcopy. They’ll use a lighted magnifying tool called a colposcope to check your vagina and cervix for anything unusual.
They might also take out a bit of tissue so a specialist can look at it under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.
After your doctor diagnoses vaginal cancer, they’ll do imaging tests and other exams to find out whether it’s spread to other parts of your body. This helps them decide the stage the cancer and how to treat it. The stages are:
You and your doctor will decide on treatment based on many things, including how close the cancer is to other organs, its stage, whether you’ve had radiation treatment in your pelvic area, and whether you’ve had a hysterectomy to remove your uterus.
