Vaginal cancer is rare — accounting for less than 2% of gynaecological cancers in India. But because it is rare, women, primary care doctors, and even gynaecologists sometimes miss the early signs. This article is for awareness.
On this page
Vaginal cancer treatment india — 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.
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.
See vaginal cancer page.
FAQs
Can vaginal cancer be prevented?
HPV vaccination prevents the squamous cell type. Cervical cancer screening sometimes detects vaginal abnormalities incidentally.
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.