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Symptoms and Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer |
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According to the American Cancer Society, between 80% and 90% of women with invasive vaginal cancer have one or more symptoms. These may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, often after intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- A mass that can be felt
- Pain when urinating or during sexual intercourse
- Continuous pelvic pain
Note: Since symptoms can be caused by a number of conditions other than vaginal cancer, it's important to consult your physician if you have questions or concerns.
Screening & Diagnosis
Your doctor will take a complete medical history to look for risk factors, then perform a physical exam, including a pelvic examination. Additional tests may include:
- Colposcopy, in which an instrument with magnifying lenses is used to view the walls of the vagina and cervix. A biopsy (tissue sample) may be taken and examined by a pathologist in the lab.
- Endoscopic tests to determine if the cancer has spread to other organs, such as the rectum or colon. These may include a proctosigmoidoscopy or cystoscopy.
- Imaging studies such as a chest X-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT) scan, or Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan.
Read more about Vaginal Cancer
 Request a Consultation with a UCSD Gynecologic Oncology Specialist Using our Online Form
 Call our New Patient Office at (858) 822-6100, or toll-free (866) 773-2703
Gynecologic Cancer Unit
Moores UCSD Cancer Center
3855 Health Sciences Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093
(866) 773-2703 |