Vaginal cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer of the female reproductive system. 

Vaginal cancer is when normal cells in the vagina change and grow in an abnormal way. These cells can form a malignant (cancerous) tumour. 

The vagina is part of the female reproductive system. It is a muscular tube about 10cm long. It is the passage between the opening of the womb (cervix) and the vulva. The vulva is the most outer part of the female reproductive system located at the opening of the vagina. 

The vagina has many functions. It opens and expands during the birth of a baby, and it drains blood during a monthly period.

The wall or lining of the vagina is made up of many layers. For example, an epithelial tissue layer making up the lining of the vagina and a connective tissue layer making up the walls of the vagina that also include muscle, lymph nodes and nerves. The lymph nodes help to fight infection. There are also glands near the entrance of the vagina which produce a mucus. This keeps the vagina moist and acts as a lubricant during sex.

The cause of vaginal cancer is unknown. But there are certain things called risk factors that can increase your chance of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: The risk of vaginal cancer increases with age, most people diagnosed with vaginal cancer are over 60.  It is more common in women who have not had children. 
• HPV virus: HPV infections can cause abnormal changes in your vagina (VAIN - vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia). If they are left untreated, there is a slightly higher risk of getting vaginal cancer. HPV is a virus passed on during sexual contact. 
  
  Read more about HPV and how it increases the risk of some cancers. 
• Previous radiotherapy to the pelvic area: This slightly increases the risk but it’s rare. 
• Exposure to DES: Being exposed to a hormone called DES (diethylstilbestrol) while you were in the womb causes one type of adenocarcinoma of the vagina. It is very rare.