Medicines for Vaginal cancer

What it is

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the vagina. It is uncommon and mainly affects older women, particularly after the menopause. Many cases are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus, and other factors can increase the risk. Because HPV is a major factor, HPV vaccination (offered to young people) and cervical screening (which can detect abnormal cell changes) both help with prevention and early detection of HPV-related cancers. The most common symptom of vaginal cancer is unusual vaginal bleeding — for example bleeding after the menopause, bleeding between periods, bleeding after sex, or heavier periods than usual. Other symptoms can include: a vaginal discharge that is blood-stained or has an unpleasant smell; pain or discomfort during sex; a lump or growth in the vagina; a persistent itch; and pain in the pelvic area or when passing urine. Because these symptoms — particularly unusual bleeding or discharge — are much more commonly caused by other, benign conditions, they usually do not mean cancer; but any unusual vaginal bleeding (especially after the menopause), persistent discharge, or other persistent symptoms should be checked, as they need assessment and early diagnosis improves outcomes. Vaginal cancer is diagnosed and treated by specialist gynaecology and oncology teams, and treatment depends on the stage and may include radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. Awareness of the symptoms (especially unusual bleeding), attending cervical screening when invited, and HPV vaccination are the key messages.

How it is treated

Vaginal cancer is diagnosed and treated by specialist gynaecology and oncology teams, and the approach depends on the stage and the person’s circumstances. Because unusual vaginal bleeding and other symptoms need assessment, diagnosis may involve an examination, and, if an abnormal area is found, a biopsy (taking a sample), along with scans to determine the stage. Treatment options depend on the size, position, and stage of the cancer and may include: radiotherapy (which is often a main treatment, given externally and/or internally); surgery to remove the cancer (which varies depending on the extent); and chemotherapy, sometimes combined with radiotherapy. The specific approach is planned by the specialist team, and supportive care to manage symptoms and the effects of treatment is an important part of care. Because early diagnosis improves outcomes, the key message is to get unusual vaginal bleeding — particularly any bleeding after the menopause — persistent discharge, or other persistent symptoms checked, rather than assuming they are due to something minor. Prevention and early detection are important too: HPV vaccination (offered to young people) protects against the HPV types linked to vaginal and other cancers, and attending cervical screening when invited can detect abnormal cell changes early. It is worth keeping perspective — unusual bleeding and discharge are far more often due to common, benign causes than to cancer — but they should still be checked, especially bleeding after the menopause, which always needs assessment. The reassuring messages are that vaginal cancer is rare, that the symptoms are usually due to benign causes, that specialist treatment is available (often centred on radiotherapy), and that HPV vaccination and cervical screening help prevention and early detection — so being aware of the symptoms and getting them checked, and taking up vaccination and screening, are the most valuable steps.