Vaginal Cancer

What are the signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer?

Most vaginal cancers do not cause signs or symptoms early on. But if symptoms are present, they may include:

• Vaginal discharge or bleeding that is not normal for you. The bleeding may be abnormal because of how heavy it is, or when it happens, such as bleeding after you have gone through menopause; bleeding between periods; or any other bleeding that is longer or heavier than is normal for you.
• Change in bathroom habits, including having blood in the stool or urine; going to the bathroom more often than usual; or feeling constipated.
• Pain in your pelvis or abdomen, especially when you pass urine or have sex.

If you have abnormal vaginal bleeding, see a doctor right away. If you have any of the other signs for two weeks or longer, see a doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see a doctor.

Download the gynecologic cancer symptoms diary

What raises a woman’s chance of getting vaginal cancer?

There is no way to know for sure who will get vaginal cancer. However, these things may increase the chance you will
get it:

• Having HPV.
• Having a history of abnormal Pap test results showing abnormal cervical cells or having had cervical cancer.
• Having HIV or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
• Exposure before birth (while in the womb) to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), which is a man-made form of estrogen that was prescribed until 1971 to help women with pregnancy complications.
• Smoking.

If one or more of these is true for you, it does not mean you will get vaginal cancer. But you should talk to a doctor about whether you need more frequent exams.

How can I help lower my chance of getting vaginal cancer?

You can lower your chance of developing vaginal cancer by:

• Getting the HPV vaccine, if you are in the age group for which it is recommended. The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
• Limiting your number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of getting HPV or HIV.
• Not smoking. Smoking harms all of your body’s cells, including your vaginal cells. If you smoke and have HPV, you have a higher chance of getting vaginal cancer. If you smoke, ask a doctor for help quitting.

Are there ways to find vaginal cancer early?

The best ways to find vaginal cancer early are to get regular checkups and to see a doctor if you have any signs or symptoms. The Pap test does not screen for vaginal cancer. The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical cancer. A doctor may perform a pelvic exam to look for signs of vaginal cancer, such as lumps or changes in the vagina, or perform a biopsy to help diagnose vaginal cancer. If you have had abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer, you may be at a higher risk of getting other HPV associated cancers, like vaginal cancer. Your doctor may recommend more follow-up tests or visits to check for vaginal cancer