Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells that line the vagina. Your vagina is the thin, hollow, muscular tube that extends from the uterus to the vulva. The opening of your vagina is located between your urethra and anus. The vagina is one of the most important parts of your reproductive system and serves as the canal for menstrual blood and babies to leave your body.

Vaginal cancer is rare, and unfortunately, the symptoms of this cancer are hard to spot in the early stages. As the cancer progresses, you may experience symptoms like vaginal bleeding, discharge, and a lump in your vagina. When vaginal cancer metastasizes (spreads), more severe symptoms like blood in the urine and pelvic pain can occur.

Vaginal cancer is more common in people over 60 years old. About 50% of those diagnosed are over age 70 and 20% are over age 80. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which makes up about 90% of all cases. 

Precancer Symptoms

Vaginal cancer often starts as a precancerous condition called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). At this phase, the only sign of cancer is abnormal-looking cells in the innermost surface layer of the vagina. There are no physical symptoms that you could feel or notice. VAIN is slow-growing and can take years before turning into cancer. 

Early Symptoms

During the early stages of vaginal cancer, cancer cells are present in the lining of the vagina and usually do not cause any signs or symptoms. This often makes it very difficult to diagnose vaginal cancer early.

However, invasive vaginal cancer is a more aggressive type of vaginal cancer that tends to grow and spread quickly, especially in the early stages. This type of vaginal cancer may lead to the following early symptoms:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Watery or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pain during sex
• A mass or lump in the vagina 
• Urinating (peeing) more frequently

Progressive Symptoms

If healthcare providers don't catch vaginal cancer early, it's possible for vaginal cancer to metastasize (spread) to other parts of your body. When this happens, you'll likely experience more symptoms that can feel severe. During metastasis, other organs and tissues can become affected, which can lead to symptoms in other parts of the body. Advanced-stage vaginal cancer may cause:

• Pain with urination
• Blood in the urine or stool (poop)
• Constipation
• Back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Pelvic pain
• Leg swelling

Keep in mind: the above symptoms can also be a sign of an infection. But, because symptoms of an infection look similar to the signs of vaginal cancer, it's still important to see your healthcare provider to get tested. 

Symptoms in Children

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer in adults, but is extremely rare in children. The most common symptom of childhood vaginal cancer is bleeding from the vagina. If your child experiences vaginal bleeding, the cause is likely not cancer and may be the start of their menstrual period. However, if the bleeding seems abnormal or you're concerned about your child's vaginal health, it's best to talk to their pediatrician for support.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider 

See your healthcare provider if you develop any symptoms of vaginal cancer including a change in vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, or feel a lump in your vagina. Because severe symptoms of vaginal cancer don't appear until the later stages, it is important to see your healthcare provider for regular wellness visits and health screenings—such as a Pap smear.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus and a known risk factor for vaginal cancer. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all people with vaginas between the ages of 21 and 29 have a Pap test and HPV screening every three years. People aged 30 to 65 should receive an HPV test every five years and a Pap test every three years. 

A Quick Review 

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that begins in the cells that line the vagina. Symptoms of vaginal cancer typically don't appear until later stages. But, if you have an invasive form of the cancer, it's possible to experience abnormal vaginal bleeding and changes in vaginal discharge. As the condition progresses, you may notice symptoms like constipation, pelvic pain, and leg swelling.