Vaginal cancer

About Vaginal cancer

The vagina is a tube between the vulva and the opening of the womb (cervix). Vaginal cancer is a very rare cancer that is found anywhere in the vagina. Anyone with a vagina can get vaginal cancer, although it is most common in women aged 75 years and over.

What to expect from diagnostic tests and investigations

Colposcopy

A specialist doctor or nurse will use a microscope called a colposcope to take a closer look at your vagina. This will be done in an outpatients’ clinic and usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. During the colposcopy a biopsy may also be taken, so that pathologists can look at cells from your vagina under a microscope. Read more about what to expect during a colposcopy on the Macmillan website (opens in new tab).

CT scan

CT scans take pictures of your body. If vaginal cancer is suspected you will have an abdomen and pelvis CT. This normally takes around 10 minutes.

MRI scan

MRI uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create a cross-sectional picture of the body. You will have an MRI scan to see if your cancer has spread. The scan itself normally takes around 45 minutes to one hour.

PET scan

Position emission tomography (PET) scans produce detailed three-dimensional images of inside the body. The images can clearly show the part of the body being investigated, including any abnormal areas which appears bright on the scan suggesting potential cancer spread.

Treatment options for Vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is often treatable. The treatment that your team recommends will depend on the size and location of your cancer, if it has spread and your general health.

They may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment where radiation is used to destroys cancer cells and is the main treatment for vaginal cancer. You may receive chemotherapy at the same time as your radiotherapy.

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy is a form of radiotherapy where a radioactive source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment. This allows for a high dose of treatment to be delivered in a targeted way.

Surgery

Primary Surgery is usually only used to treat vaginal cancer if it is found early. It can also be used if radiotherapy has not been as successful as hoped. There are several different types of surgery and these will be explained to your by your doctor.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment which uses medicine to destroys cancer cells. You may have chemotherapy on its own or with other anti-cancer treatments.

More information about treatment for Vaginal cancer

Macmillan cancer support: Vaginal cancer
NHS.UK: Vaginal cancer

Living with and beyond cancer

After completing your cancer treatment If you have any symptoms or concerns contact your clinical nurse specialist and your GP.