Vulvar and Vaginal Cancer 101

On this page you will learn about symptoms of vulvar and vaginal cancer, diagnosis, and treatment options. We hope this information will help you prepare for a discussion with your gynecologist or a Gynecologic Oncologist.

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is usually named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later.

Vaginal cancer begins in the vagina, the muscular tube, also called the birth canal, that connects the outer genitalia to the uterus. Most of these cancers are in the lining (squamous epthelilum) of the vagina and usually impact people between 50-70 years old. Primary vaginal cancer is one of the rarest gynecologic cancers as oftentimes cancer cells found in the vagina originate from the uterus, vulva, or other organs.

Because many vaginal cancers are associated with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18, vaginal cancer can be prevented by the vaccinations advocated for the prevention of cervical cancer.

The Foundation for Women's Cancer has helpful brochures, available at the links below.

Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers: Your Guide Download | Order Brochures
Cáncer de Vulva y de Vagina: Su Guía (Español) Download | Order Brochures
Vulvar and Vaginal Cancers: Your Guide (Chinese) Download | Order Brochures

Vaginal Cancer Symptoms

Vaginal cancer, especially at the precancerous and early stages, may not cause any symptoms

Common signs for more advanced vaginal cancer include:

Unusual vaginal bleeding (i.e., between menses, after intercourse, new postmenopausal
bleeding)
Pain (vaginal, vulvar, lower abdominal/pelvic, back or flank)
Problems with urination or bowel movements
Watery vaginal discharge
Lump or mass in the vagina

If vaginal or vulvar cancer is suspected or diagnosed, it is important to seek care first from a gynecologic oncologist—medical doctors with specialized training in treating gynecologic cancers who can manage your care from diagnosis to completion of treatment. See our Gynecologic Oncologist page.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Vaginal Cancer | Foundation For Women's Cancer (foundationforwomenscancer.org)

American Cancer Society

Vulvar Cancer | Cancer of the Vulva | American Cancer Society

Symptoms, Risk Factors, and Screening

Symptoms

Vaginal cancer, especially at the precancerous and early stages, may not cause any symptoms.

Common signs for more advanced vaginal cancer include:

Unusual vaginal bleeding (i.e., between menses, after intercourse, new postmenopausal
bleeding)
Pain (vaginal, vulvar, lower abdominal/pelvic, back or flank)
Problems with urination or bowel movements
Watery vaginal discharge
Lump or mass in the vagina

Risk Factors and Causes

There is no way to know for sure if you will get vaginal or vulvar cancer. Some individuals get these cancers without being at high risk.

However, several factors may increase the chance that you will get vaginal or vulvar cancer, including if you—

Are infected with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) for a long time.
Have had cervical precancer (cell changes that might become cancer if they are not treated appropriately) or cervical cancer.
Have had vulvar or vaginal precancer.
Have a condition that weakens your immune system (such as HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS), making it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
Smoke. Among those who have an HPV infection, smoking may prevent the body’s immune system from getting rid of the HPV infection.
Have chronic vulvar itching or burning.

Screening

Vaginal cancer can be found during a routine pelvic examination. To detect this cancer, people sometimes are given a Pap test to look for abnormal cells, an inspection of the vagina with a special lighted microscope and/or sample (biopsy) of the vaginal tissue for testing.

If one or more of these symptoms or risk factors is true for you,

it does not mean you have or will necessarily get vaginal or vulvar cancer.

Please report all your symptoms and risk factors to a doctor, preferably a gynecologist.