The short answer: Vaginal cancer is rare — accounting for less than 2% of gynaecological cancers in India — and it is very treatable when found early. Watch for unusual bleeding (after sex, between periods or after menopause), a discharge that does not settle, or a lump in the vagina. Any bleeding after menopause should be checked, even once; other symptoms that last more than a few weeks should be checked too. Most such symptoms are not cancer, and only a biopsy can confirm it. Treatment is usually radiotherapy, sometimes with chemotherapy, or surgery for selected small, early cancers.
Because it is rare, women, family doctors and even gynaecologists sometimes miss the early signs. In Hindi it is often searched as yoni ka cancer or yoni cancer ke lakshan (योनि कैंसर के लक्षण). For the full guide, see our page on vaginal cancer care.
On this page
Types of vaginal cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma (most common, HPV-related)
- Adenocarcinoma (less common, includes clear cell carcinoma — historically associated with DES exposure)
- Melanoma (rare)
- Sarcoma (rare)
Symptoms
- Vaginal bleeding (post-coital, between periods, post-menopausal)
- Persistent vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Painful sex (dyspareunia)
- Mass or lesion noticed during self-examination
- Urinary or bowel symptoms in advanced disease
How it is diagnosed
Speculum examination + colposcopy + directed biopsy. Imaging (MRI pelvis) for staging. Examination under anaesthesia in some cases. Histopathology determines exact type.
Treatment
Treatment depends on stage and location:
- Early disease (Stage 1): surgery (vaginectomy or partial vaginectomy) or radiation
- Locally advanced disease (Stage 2-4A): concurrent chemoradiation
- Selected fertility-preserving options for very early disease in young women
Treatment must balance cancer control with preservation of sexual function — this requires specialist gynaec-onco planning.
Radiotherapy (often called sikai) for vaginal cancer usually means external radiotherapy of about 25 sessions over around 5 weeks, plus brachytherapy (internal radiotherapy placed in the vagina) as needed. The exact plan depends on the stage and position of the cancer and is not the same for everyone. Our page on vaginal cancer treatment: radiation and surgery explains what to expect.
Outcomes
Stage 1 vaginal cancer has 5-year survival around 75-85%. Later stages have progressively worse outcomes. Early diagnosis is the single most important factor.
Before your first visit, this guide to preparing for a specialist appointment lists the reports and questions to bring. You can also send your reports on WhatsApp at +91 76988 00333 or book an appointment.
FAQs
Can vaginal cancer be prevented?
HPV vaccination lowers the risk of the most common type (squamous cell cancer, which is usually HPV-related), but it does not prevent every vaginal cancer. Cervical cancer screening sometimes picks up vaginal abnormalities by chance.
Is the HPV vaccine still useful for adult women in preventing vaginal cancer?
Yes — adult HPV vaccination still reduces incident HPV infection, which lowers vaginal cancer risk.
My DES history concerns me — what should I do?
Women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy have elevated risk of vaginal clear cell adenocarcinoma. Annual gynaecology review with vaginal examination is recommended.
What is the cure rate?
Stage 1 disease is highly treatable (75-85% 5-year survival). Outcomes decline with stage.
Will treatment affect my ability to have sex?
Treatment can affect vaginal length, lubrication, and elasticity. Vaginal dilator therapy + topical estrogen + gradual return to intimacy can restore function in most cases.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified. To book: WhatsApp +91 76988 00333.