Question 1

What are the early symptoms of vaginal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal cancer often causes no symptoms in its earliest stages and may be found during a routine pelvic exam or Pap smear. As it develops, symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after intercourse or after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, a lump or mass felt in the vagina, and pelvic pain. Because vaginal cancer is rare and its symptoms overlap with more common conditions, any unexplained bleeding after sex or postmenopausal bleeding should prompt a prompt visit to a gynaecologist for evaluation.

Question 2

What causes vaginal cancer and is HPV linked to it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is linked to a large proportion of vaginal cancer cases, similar to its role in cervical cancer. Other risk factors include a history of cervical cancer or precancerous cervical cell changes, smoking, and in rare cases, exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) in the womb if your mother took it during pregnancy decades ago. Age is also a factor, with most cases diagnosed in women over 60. HPV vaccination and regular gynaecological screening can help reduce risk.

Question 3

How is vaginal cancer diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

\Vaginal cancer is often first detected during a routine pelvic exam or Pap smear, which may reveal abnormal cells or a visible growth. If something suspicious is found, your doctor will perform a colposcopy, using a lighted magnifying instrument to closely examine the vaginal walls, followed by a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests such as CT, MRI or PET scans may then be used to determine whether the cancer has spread and to guide staging and treatment planning.

Question 4

What are the treatment options for vaginal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the stage and location of the tumour. Early-stage cancers are often treated with surgery, such as local excision to remove the tumour with a margin of healthy tissue, or in some cases, a partial or complete vaginectomy. Radiation therapy, often combined with chemotherapy, is commonly used, especially for more advanced cases or when surgery would significantly affect nearby organs. Your gynaecologic oncologist will recommend a personalised treatment plan based on the cancer's exact stage and your overall health.

Question 5

Is vaginal cancer curable if detected early?

Accepted Answer

Yes, vaginal cancer has a high cure rate when detected at an early stage, before it has spread beyond the vaginal wall. Early-stage cancers treated with surgery or radiation often have good long-term outcomes. However, because vaginal cancer frequently causes no symptoms until it is more advanced, many cases are diagnosed later, which lowers the chance of a complete cure. Regular gynaecological check-ups and prompt evaluation of any abnormal bleeding or discharge remain the best way to catch vaginal cancer while it is still highly treatable.

Question 6

How is vaginal cancer different from cervical cancer?

Accepted Answer

Vaginal cancer originates in the vagina itself, while cervical cancer starts in the cervix, the narrow opening connecting the vagina to the uterus; both are located close to each other, which can sometimes make diagnosis complex. Vaginal cancer is far rarer, accounting for only about 1-2% of gynaecological cancers, compared to cervical cancer, which is more common but also has an established screening test through Pap smears. Both cancers share HPV as a major risk factor and are diagnosed and treated by gynaecologic oncologists.