Vaginal Cancer

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What is Vaginal Cancer?

Vaginal cancer is cancer that starts in the vagina. The vagina is a channel that leads from the outside of the body to the cervix. The vagina is also called the "birth canal" because a baby moves from the uterus through the vagina when a mother is giving birth. The inside of the vagina is coated with squamous cells. Underneath this layer is a muscle layer that helps the vagina expand and contract during birth and intercourse. The open part of the vagina contains glandular cells that secrete mucus and keep the vagina lubricated. Vaginal cancer is relatively rare, and accounts for about 1-2% of all gynecologic malignancies.

Types of Vaginal Cancer

There are four main types of vaginal cancer, depending on the specific type of cell involved:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma

    Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common type of vaginal cancer, making up about 75% of all occurrences. This type of vaginal cancer often develops slowly, and may take years to become malignant. Squamous cell carcinomas of the vagina often develop from pre-cancerous lesions known as vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). These precancerous lesions may become squamous cell carcinoma over time. Squamous cell carcinomas often start in the upper section of the vagina, close to the cervix.

  • Adenocarcinoma

    Adenocarcinomas are the second most common type of vaginal cancer, making up about 15% of all cases. This type of vaginal cancer starts in the glandular cells near the opening of the vagina. Women whose mothers took the drug DES (discussed in Risk Factors) when pregnant may develop a variant called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

  • Melanoma

    In rare cases, some women may develop melanoma of the vagina. Melanoma starts in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes that may be found in the vaginas of some women. This type of vaginal cancer often occurs on the lower and outer part of the vagina.

  • Sarcoma

    In rare cases, some women may develop a sarcoma in the wall of the vagina. Sarcomas of the vagina start deep in the vaginal wall, in muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves, or other connective tissues.