Diagnosis
If you have any symptoms of vaginal cancer, your doctor will thoroughly examine you and ask you questions about your general health, lifestyle, and family history. Your doctor may conduct a pelvic exam or Pap test to look for any abnormalities. If these exams suggest vaginal cancer might be present, your doctor may order additional tests. Here are some of the tests your doctor may recommend in detecting and diagnosing vaginal cancer:
Pelvic Examination
Your doctor will use an instrument called a speculum to open the vagina and view the vagina and cervix. Your doctor will feel inside your vagina and rectum with gloved, lubricated fingers to check for any growths or abnormalities in your vagina or nearby organs. A rectal exam is important since it allows the doctor to feel deep in the pelvis for any growths which might not be felt on the vaginal exam.
Pap Smear
In this procedure your doctor uses a special brush to scrape cells from the surface of the vagina and cervix. The doctor then sends these cells to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope for any abnormalities.
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Colposcopy
Your doctor uses a device called a colposcope to examine the surface of your cervix and vagina. A colposcope is a device with magnifying binocular lenses that allows your doctor to examine your cervix and vagina from outside your body during a speculum examination. A special solution, called acetic acid, will be applied to the cervix and vagina to identify abnormal cells.
Biopsy
A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if cancer is present. If your doctor notices any abnormalities during the colposcopy or pelvic exam, he or she will use biopsy forceps to remove a sample of abnormal tissue. Your doctor will then send the sample to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope.
Chest X-Ray
X-rays use electromagnetic radiation to produce images of the inside of your body. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray to see whether the cancer has spread to your lungs.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to produce an image of your body. A special dye may be injected into your veins and you may be asked to drink a special fluid in order to make the internal organs stand out. A CT scan reveals the presence of tumors and whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves and a powerful magnet to produce detailed pictures of body parts. Radio waves are absorbed by your body and then released in a certain pattern, which is translated by a computer in order to show "slices" of your body. MRI scans are very useful for detecting tumors in the pelvis as well as enlarged pelvic lymph nodes.
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Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
For a PET scan, the doctor injects a radioactive substance into your bloodstream. This substance collects in malignant (cancerous) cells in your body. The doctor then uses a PET scanner to detect these areas of radioactivity and to find the exact location of cancer in your body. This study can be paired with a CT scan to completely localize the cancer.
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Cystoscopy
Your doctor may recommend a cystoscopy to determine if the vaginal cancer has invaded your bladder. In a cystoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera and light at one end into your urethra and uses it to examine the bladder. The doctor may take a sample for biopsy during this procedure.
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Proctoscopy
Your doctor may recommend a proctoscopy to determine if the vaginal cancer has invaded your rectum. In a proctoscopy, your doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera and light at one end into your rectum and uses it to examine the rectum and colon. The doctor may take a sample for biopsy during this procedure.
