Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal Cancer Care at UVM Cancer Center
Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that begins in your vagina. The vagina is the muscular tube leading from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body and is also called the birth canal. The best chance for a cure is early diagnosis of vaginal cancer.
At University of Vermont Health, you’ll receive advanced vaginal cancer care from trusted experts. Our team provides a patient-centered approach that includes comprehensive, state-of-the-art treatment and support for you and your family. Our experts develop a personalized treatment plan that may include enrollment in clinical trials only available at leading programs nationwide.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As a leading cancer program in the region, we offer:
- Expert care: We provide specialized care with highly skilled gynecological surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists. As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are also active researchers and physician-leaders.
- Innovation: We participate in prestigious cancer research networks and clinical trials that offer additional care options for difficult-to-treat cancers.
- Minimally invasive procedures: We may use robotic technologies to assist in removal of the cancer through small incisions typically leading to a faster recovery with less pain and fewer complications.
- Convenience: Whenever possible we schedule your appointments with multiple members of your care team on the same day. Our network of providers gives you access to cancer services in clinic locations throughout the region, so you can get leading-edge cancer care without having to travel far.
Types of Vaginal Cancer
There are two main types of vaginal cancer:
- Squamous cell carcinoma: Spreads slowly and forms in the flat, thin cells that line the inside of the vagina. May spread to the lungs, liver, or bone. This is the most common type of vaginal cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma: Begins in the glandular cells of the vagina, which release fluids such as mucus. More likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes.
Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer
There may be no early signs of vaginal cancer. Once cancer progresses, vaginal cancer symptoms can include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding not related to menstrual periods, such as after menopause or directly after intercourse
- Watery vaginal discharge
- A vaginal lump or mass
- Painful urination
- Constipation
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
Diagnosing Vaginal Cancer
Your doctor may find vaginal cancer during a routine pelvic examination and Pap test. Vaginal cancer diagnosis may include:
- Colposcopy: This procedure uses a lighted, magnifying instrument (colposcope) to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas.
- Biopsy: Sometimes colposcopy includes a biopsy, which is removing a sample of vaginal and cervical tissue for analysis in a laboratory by a pathologist.
- Pelvic exam: The doctor or nurse examines a woman's reproductive and other organs in the pelvis including the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries and rectum.
- Pap test: During a pelvic exam, the doctor or nurse collects vaginal and cervical cells for later analysis under a microscope.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) test: Cells are collected from the vulva and checked for presence of HPV infection.
- Imaging: Tests may include X-rays, computed tomography (CT or CAT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET).
Clinical Trials
The UVM Cancer Center supports more than 100 active clinical trials focused on prevention, screening, treatment, supportive care and survivorship.
Vaginal Cancer Treatment
At UVM Health, you receive a personalized care plan based on your unique diagnosis. Our team uses advanced therapies, techniques and equipment to treat vaginal cancer. Throughout your cancer journey, our nurse navigators are by your side to coordinate appointments, answer questions and guide your care.
Vaginal cancer treatment options include:
Surgery is the most common treatment for vaginal cancer.
A total hysterectomy removes your uterus and cervix. Surgeons may perform a robotic surgery for hysterectomy, which is less invasive so it means less pain and a shorter recovery time. Often doctors recommend this surgery if your vaginal cancer has spread.
Sometimes vaginal cancer requires surgery to remove all (radical vaginectomy) or part (partial vaginectomy) of the vagina. Surgeons can make a new vagina using pieces of skin, sections of intestine or flaps of muscle from other parts of your body. However, a reconstructed vagina will not act or feel exactly the same as the removed vagina. The reconstructed vagina does not have natural lubrication and changes in surrounding nerves may affect sensation.
Surgeons make cuts in vaginal tissue using a laser beam (a narrow beam of intense light) to remove surface lesions or a small tumor.
This is an extensive surgery that removes most of your pelvic organs if your cancer has spread or come back (recurred).
Chemotherapy treats cancer by destroying cancer cells using different types of medication.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, to destroy cancer cells.
Clinical trials are research studies that test the newest cancer treatments and new ways of using existing cancer treatments. Clinical trials can't guarantee a cure.
Locations Near You
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, East Pavilion, Level 3
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
75 Park Street
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
101 Adirondack Drive
Ticonderoga, NY 12883
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Main Pavillion, Level 2
Burlington, VT 05401
75 Beekman Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-1438
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Main Pavilion, Level 4
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
23 Fourth Street
Suite 1
Malone, NY 12953-1331
111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, Main Pavilion, Level 2
Burlington, VT 05401-1473
130 Fisher Road
Berlin, VT 05602-8132
23 Fourth Street
Suite 1 & 2
Malone, NY 12953-1331
