Vaginal Cancer

Overview

At Mayo Clinic, highly trained gynecologic and radiation oncologists treat vaginal tumors. Mayo specialists take a multidisciplinary team approach to treatment, which facilitates the best medical care possible. Mayo Clinic is a recognized leader in combining radiation treatment with surgery and has a long history of surgical excellence in radical and reconstructive procedures. Intraoperative radiation therapy is available and is often used in cases of recurrent disease. Vaginal cancer is rare, and Mayo Clinic's volume of vaginal cancer patients ensures that care providers have the necessary experience and expertise to create individualized treatment plans for each patient.

Patients also have access to the resources of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center. The National Cancer Institute has designated the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center a comprehensive cancer center in recognition of the superior depth and breadth of its capabilities.

Diagnosis

Physicians conduct a pelvic exam and biopsy (collect and examine cells) suspicious tissue to diagnose vaginal cancer. Other tests may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasound. Read more about vaginal cancer diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Most vaginal cancer cases are treated with radiation therapy, but depending upon the stage and location of the cancer, surgery may be used instead. Occasionally, surgery and radiation are recommended. Surgical reconstruction of the vagina may be appropriate after some forms of treatment. In addition, chemotherapy is used to treat advanced vaginal cancer cases — often in conjunction with radiation. Read more about vaginal cancer treatment options.

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About Vaginal Cancer

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The vagina, or birth canal, is a 3- to 4-inch long tube that begins at the lowest part of the uterus (cervix) and opens to the vulva (external genitalia). The vast majority of vaginal cancers develop in the epithelial lining of the vagina near the cervix and develop into squamous cell carcinomas. Vaginal cancer is rare and is responsible for only 3 percent of gynecologic cancers, according to the American Cancer Society. Most cases are diagnosed in women between the ages of 50 and 70.