Vaginal cancer is a rare malignancy that forms in the vagina, the passageway between your cervix (lower end of uterus) and vulva.  It accounts for only about 2% to 3% of all cancers of the female reproductive system. 

If you suspect that you have vaginal cancer, or you’ve already been diagnosed, UCSD’s gynecologic oncologists have the necessary expertise to precisely determine the type and extent of your cancer. Working as a team with radiation oncologists, pathologists and social services, our gynecologic oncologists will design a treatment plan specific to your needs.

Types of vaginal cancer 

• About 85% to 90% are squamous cell carcinomas that begin in the epithelial lining, a thin layer of tissue that lines the flexible walls of the vagina. These cancers tend to occur in the upper area of the vagina near the cervix.
• About 5% to 10% of vaginal cancers are adenocarcinomas, which typically develop in women over age 50.  One type, called clear cell adenocarcinoma, occurs more often in young women who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while still in the uterus. DES was banned in the U.S. in 1971.
• Malignant melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes that are usually found on sun-exposed areas of the skin.  Occasionally these cells form on the vagina or other internal organs, and account for about 2% to 3% of all vaginal cancers.
• Sarcomas, which account for about 2% to 3% of vaginal cancers, form deep within the wall of the vagina.
• In very rare cases, other cancers, such as lymphoma, colon cancer and endometrial cancer, may spread to the vagina.
  

Read more about Vaginal Cancer

• Causes & Risk Factors
• Symptoms, Screening & Diagnosis
• Staging
• Treatment Options

  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