Vaginal Cancer Treatment
Vaginal cancer develops in the cells that line the vagina. An integral part of the female reproductive system, the vagina is a muscular tube that connects the lower end of the uterus (cervix) to the external genitalia (vulva).
The most common cause of vaginal cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV), although other factors such as a woman’s age and history of cervical cancer can also contribute to the risk. Symptoms may include vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse. Early-stage vaginal cancer is often asymptomatic, which can delay the diagnosis.
Vaginal cancer is relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of all gynecologic cancers. Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Additionally, laser therapy may be considered for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN), a pre-cancerous condition of the vagina.
Rated High Performing in Gynecological Cancer Surgery
Schedule an AppointmentSurgery for vaginal cancer
Surgery is usually the first-line treatment for early-stage vaginal cancer. The extent of the procedure can vary depending on the size and location of the tumor. Possible options include:
- Wide local excision – Removal of the tumor and a slim margin of surrounding healthy tissue
- Vaginectomy – Partial or total removal of the vagina
- Radical hysterectomy – Removal of the vagina, cervix, uterus and possibly the fallopian tubes, ovaries and some nearby lymph nodes
- Pelvic exenteration – Removal of multiple pelvic organs, which may include the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, bladder, rectum and lower portion of the colon
Radiation therapy for vaginal cancer
Radiation therapy can be used to target and destroy cancerous cells in the vagina. Common options include:
- External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) – An external machine (linear accelerator) generates and precisely targets high-energy beams at a tumor.
- Brachytherapy – A radioactive substance sealed inside a seed or wire is surgically implanted inside or near a tumor.
For vaginal cancer, radiation therapy may be used:
- Before surgery to shrink a tumor and make it easier to remove
- After surgery to destroy any remaining microscopic cancer cells
- Treat an inoperable tumor
Chemotherapy for vaginal cancer
Chemotherapy involves the intravenous or oral administration of powerful cancer-fighting medications to destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. For enhanced treatment effectiveness, chemo may be used in combination with radiation therapy (chemoradiation).
For vaginal cancer, chemotherapy may be used to:
- Shrink a tumor before surgery
- Target and destroy cancer cells that have spread throughout the body
- Treat an inoperable tumor
Immunotherapy for vaginal cancer
Immunotherapy enhances the body’s natural ability to recognize and attack cancer cells by boosting the immune system’s response. While it is not typically a first-line treatment for vaginal cancer, immunotherapy is an emerging option for advanced or recurrent tumors that do not respond well to surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy, especially when the cancer is associated with HPV. Drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors can block specific proteins that inhibit immune cells from attacking cancer cells, enabling the immune system to more effectively target and destroy the tumor. This promising approach offers new hope for treating challenging cases of vaginal cancer.
Benefit from world-class care at Moffitt Cancer Center
The multispecialty team in Moffitt’s comprehensive gynecological clinic takes a highly individualized approach to vaginal cancer treatment. These nationally respected experts—including fellowship-trained surgeons, medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, fertility preservation specialists and supportive care providers—work together to thoroughly review each patient’s case, develop a tailored treatment plan and continually refine the plan as needed to ensure the best possible outcome and quality of life. Through our robust portfolio of clinical trials, our patients have unique opportunities to be among the first to benefit from novel vaginal cancer treatment options that are not yet available in other settings.
If you would like to learn more about vaginal cancer treatment, you can request an appointment with a specialist at Moffitt by calling 1-888-663-3488 or submitting a new patient registration form online. We do not require referrals.
Treatment