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Vaginal cancer is a primary malignant tumor occurring in the vaginal mucosa, most commonly squamous cell carcinoma. It accounts for a very small proportion of gynecological tumors and is often seen in women over 60 years old. Some younger women may also develop this disease due to HPV infection, especially those with persistent high-risk virus types.
Globally, the incidence among middle-aged and elderly women is higher in Western countries such as the United States, France, and Germany. In Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand, the incidence is also increasing year by year. Due to low screening rates and lack of awareness, many patients are already in the middle to advanced stages at diagnosis, increasing treatment difficulty and recurrence risk.
Stage I: Limited to the vaginal wall
The lesion is still confined to the vagina, without penetrating the mucosa or invading adjacent organs. At this stage, surgery and radiotherapy are effective, with a 5-year survival rate of up to 80%.
Stage II: Spread to surrounding vaginal tissues
The tumor extends to tissues outside the vagina, such as the surrounding connective tissues, but does not involve the pelvic wall. Treatment at this stage relies mainly on radiotherapy, with a 5-year survival rate of about 60%.
Stage III: Invasion of pelvic structures
Cancer cells invade the pelvic wall or sacral region, which may affect urination. Treatment requires combined chemoradiotherapy, and the 5-year survival rate drops to around 45%.
Stage IV: Distant organ metastasis
The tumor metastasizes to the bladder, rectum, or distant organs such as the lungs or liver. Treatment is highly challenging and depends on comprehensive approaches, with a 5-year survival rate of only about 30%.
1. Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Painless vaginal bleeding is the earliest symptom, often occurring after intercourse or post-menopause, and is easily mistaken for a normal condition.
2. Increased vaginal discharge
Persistent vaginal discharge that may be bloody or foul-smelling, grayish or yellow-green in color, with a significant increase in volume.
3. Pain or discomfort during intercourse
The tumor irritates vaginal tissues, causing obvious pain or stinging during intercourse, which affects sexual quality of life.
4. Pelvic heaviness or dull pain
Some patients feel dull pain or pressure in the pelvic region, which may radiate to the waist or lower abdomen and persist over time.
5. Frequent urination or urgency
When the tumor compresses the bladder or urethra, symptoms include frequent urination, weakened urine flow, or even difficulty urinating.
6. Constipation or difficulty defecating
In late stages, tumor compression of the rectum may cause straining, constipation, or incomplete evacuation, sometimes with blood in the stool.
7. Noticeable vaginal odor
When cancer tissue undergoes necrosis and infection, it releases a foul odor. Vaginal smell becomes abnormally pungent, which is common in advanced stages.
8. Perineal mass
Some patients may feel a hard nodule at the vaginal opening or perineal region. It may be smooth in early stages but ulcerated in later stages.
9. Leg edema
When cancer cells invade the lymphatic system, unilateral or bilateral leg swelling may occur, worsening with activity.
10. General fatigue and weight loss
Chronic bleeding and metabolic abnormalities may lead to fatigue, weight loss, and appetite decline, presenting as cancer cachexia.
11. Emotional disturbances
Due to disease-related anxiety and hormonal effects, some patients may experience irritability, depression, or insomnia.
12. Lymph node enlargement
Enlarged lymph nodes may be palpable in the groin or pelvic area, indicating regional metastasis of cancer cells.
Experts at United Life International Medical Center remind: Early symptoms of vaginal cancer are often mistaken for common gynecological conditions. Special attention should be given to postmenopausal bleeding and pain during intercourse. High-risk groups should undergo regular gynecological examinations and HPV screening. Early intervention can greatly improve treatment success rates. New comprehensive approaches such as immune reconstruction cell therapy bring more hope and survival opportunities to patients.
