Vaginal Cancer – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the vagina. The vagina is a muscular tube that connects the uterus to the external genitals.

This cancer develops when cells in the vagina start growing abnormally fast and invade surrounding healthy tissue.

When vaginal cancer is found early and remains confined to the vagina, treatment has a better chance of success. However, once the cancer spreads beyond the vagina to other parts of the body, treatment becomes much more challenging.

Most cancers found in the vagina actually originate elsewhere in the body and later spread to this area. The vagina, sometimes referred to as the birth canal, is an important part of the female reproductive system.

Signs to Watch For

Vaginal cancer often starts without clear warning signs. As it develops, you might notice:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, especially after sex or menopause
• Discharge from the vagina
• A lump or mass you can feel in the vagina
• Pain or discomfort when urinating
• Need to urinate more often than normal
• Difficulty having bowel movements
• Pain in the pelvic area

When Medical Help Is Needed

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms for more than a few days. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen or new ones to appear. Early detection improves treatment options and outcomes.

What Causes Vaginal Cancer

The development of vaginal cancer begins in the cells lining the vagina. These cells undergo DNA changes that alter their normal function.

Healthy cells follow instructions to grow and die at specific rates. When DNA changes occur, cells may grow too quickly and live longer than they should. This leads to an excess of cells.

These extra cells might form a tumor that can invade nearby healthy tissue. Sometimes cancer cells break away and spread to other body parts, which is called metastatic cancer.

Many DNA changes that cause vaginal cancer are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). This common virus spreads through sexual contact.

Most people’s immune systems clear the virus without problems. However, in some cases, HPV can cause cell changes that may develop into cancer.

Types of Vaginal Cancer

Different kinds of vaginal cancer exist based on which cells are affected:

Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Most common type of vaginal cancer
• Starts in the flat, thin cells lining the vagina’s surface
• Makes up about 85% of vaginal cancer cases

Vaginal Adenocarcinoma

• Rare type that begins in glandular cells on the vagina’s surface
• Often linked to exposure to diethylstilbestrol, a medication once used to prevent miscarriage

Vaginal Melanoma

• Very rare form of vaginal cancer
• Develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes
• Similar to skin melanoma but occurs in the vagina

Vaginal Sarcoma

• Extremely rare type
• Starts in connective tissue or muscle cells in vaginal walls
• Includes several subtypes like leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma

Each type requires different treatment approaches based on its specific characteristics, growth patterns, and how far it has spread.

Risk Factors

Getting Older

As people age, their risk of developing vaginal cancer goes up. This cancer type is found most often in older adults. Age is a key factor that doctors consider when thinking about a person’s chances of getting this disease.

HPV Infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) spreads through sexual contact and may lead to vaginal cancer. For most people, HPV infections clear up on their own without causing problems.

However, in some cases, HPV can change vaginal cells in ways that increase cancer risk.

Important facts about HPV:

• Common virus spread through sexual contact
• Can go away without treatment
• Sometimes causes cell changes that may lead to cancer

Tobacco Use

People who smoke have a higher chance of getting vaginal cancer. Chemicals in tobacco can damage cells in the vagina, which may lead to cancer over time.

DES Exposure Before Birth

If your mother took a medicine called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant with you, you might have a higher risk of vaginal cancer. DES was once given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage.

It has been linked to a specific type of vaginal cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

Complications

Vaginal cancer may spread beyond its original site. When this happens, it’s called metastatic cancer. The most common areas affected include:

• Lungs
• Liver
• Bones

This spread happens when cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body and begin growing there.

Prevention

Taking steps to guard against vaginal cancer can be important for your health. While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it, certain actions may help lower your risk.

Regular Pelvic Screenings and Pap Tests

Getting regular pelvic exams and Pap tests helps doctors spot early signs of problems. These tests primarily check for cervical cancer, but they sometimes detect vaginal cancer too. Talk with your doctor about:

• How often you should have these screenings
• Which tests are most appropriate for your age and health history
• When to start and stop routine testing

HPV Vaccination

The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine protects against several types of HPV that can lead to cancer. Getting vaccinated may reduce your risk of vaginal cancer and other related cancers.

Important considerations:

• Ask your healthcare provider if the vaccine is right for you.
• The vaccine works best when given before exposure to HPV.
• Even with vaccination, regular screenings remain important.