Vaginal cancer

Primary vaginal cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the vagina.^1,2 Cancer may also spread from other parts of the body to the vagina, which is known as secondary vaginal cancer.²

Your GP may ask to examine your vagina and your pelvic area.² They may also refer you to a specialist for further testing or investigation.

Tests may include:

• Cervical Screening Test – A doctor or nurse will insert a speculum into your vagina to hold it open and then take a swab of cells for analysis in a laboratory.
• Colposcopy – Your doctor will use a magnifying device called a colposcope to examine your cervix, vagina and vulva. As with cervical screening, the doctor will insert a speculum into your vagina to hold it open, but the colposcope does not enter your body.
• Biopsy – While the doctor performs a colposcopy, they may also do a biopsy. This procedure involves taking tissue samples from your vagina, usually with a local anaesthetic, and generally takes a few minutes. The samples will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

If you are diagnosed with vaginal cancer, your doctor will explain which of the four stages you have and how far your cancer has progressed. Stage 1 is the least advanced, and Stage 4 is the most advanced.² Vaginal cancer may be graded from 1 to 3 according to how quickly it may be expected to grow.²

Treatment options which may be suitable will differ between individuals.^1,2 Factors that can influence which treatment options may be suitable include the stage of disease, where the cancer is located and your general health.² Treatments that may be offered include:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or by injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments. In vaginal cancers, it may be given concurrently with radiation therapy.²

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread. Radiation therapy may be used for vaginal cancer where surgery is not possible. It may be delivered as external radiation followed by brachytherapy (internal or adjacent radiation). Chemotherapy may also be given concurrently with external radiation.²

Surgery

In some cases, all or part of the vagina, uterus, cervix or surrounding tissue can be surgically removed. As well as your clinical circumstances, your doctor is likely to consider your personal preferences when determining whether surgical intervention is suitable for you.²

We understand that a cancer diagnosis may be life-changing for you. Some of the emotions you may experience can include disbelief, anxiety, sadness, anger, and loneliness.² Your dedicated care team strive to deliver a personalised care experience by listening, aiming to build your confidence, settling your emotions, and providing evidence-based treatment.

Your care team aim to get to know you as a person. At GenesisCare we believe care should be focused on you, the individual, not the condition. We don't want you to feel alone. our nursing and oncology team are here to help support you before, during, and after your cancer treatment. We are here to help guide you to get the multidisciplinary support you need from experts such as psychologists, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, and dietitians.

Other information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey.

These include: