Vaginal Cancer

Diagnosis

Vaginal cancer is diagnosed by careful examination of the vaginal tissue through a colposcopy (examination of the vagina and cervix using a magnifying lens) and biopsy (the collection and examination of cells) of any suspicious tissue. A physician will perform complete physical and pelvic exams to discern whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Other tests may also be recommended such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound, cystoscopy and proctoscopy. These tests look at the bladder, rectum and other organs near the vagina.

Precancerous changes to the vagina and early vaginal cancer may have no symptoms, but can usually be detected through regular gynecological exams and Pap smears. Symptoms of invasive vaginal cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding (especially after intercourse), pain during intercourse, abnormal vaginal discharge and a mass that can be felt. In some advanced cases vaginal cancer may cause painful urination, constipation and pelvis discomfort. Noncancerous conditions of the reproductive organs may produce similar symptoms. It is important to consult a physician who can evaluate and diagnose the symptoms.

Like all cancers, vaginal cancer is classified into "stages" according to how far the cancer cells have invaded the body. The stages of vaginal cancer are:

• Stage I — Cancer is limited to the vaginal wall.
• Stage II — Extension of the cancer to tissue outside of the vagina but not to the pelvic sidewall.
• Stage III — Cancer has spread to the pelvic sidewall.
• Stage IV — Cancer has spread beyond the pelvis or has involved bladder or rectum tissue.