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Vaginal cancer
Primary vaginal cancer is any cancer that starts in the vagina. There are several types named after the cells they start in. Some cancers of the vagina have spread from a cancer elsewhere in the body. These are called secondary vaginal cancers.
Learn more about:
- The vulva and vagina
- Types of primary vaginal cancer
- Secondary vaginal cancer
- Who gets vaginal cancer?
- What causes vaginal cancer?
The vulva and vagina
The vulva and the vagina are parts of the female reproductive system, which also includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus and cervix.
The vulva
The vulva is a general term for a female’s external sexual organs (genitals). The main parts of the vulva are the:
- mons pubis – the soft, fatty mound of tissue covered with pubic hair, above the labia
- labia majora – two large, outer fleshy lips, which surround and protect the inner lips known as labia minora
- labia minora – two inner lips (may be smaller or thinner than the labia majora)
- clitoris – the main organ for sexual pleasure in females. It is located where the labia minora join at the top of the vulva. During arousal, the clitoris fills with blood and becomes erect, and touching it can lead to sexual climax (orgasm)
- Bartholin glands – two small glands near the opening of the vagina. They produce mucus to moisten (lubricate) the vagina.
The vagina
Sometimes called the birth canal, the vagina is a muscular tube about 7–10 cm long that extends from the cervix to the vulva. The vaginal opening is where menstrual blood flows out of the body during a period, sexual intercourse occurs, and a baby leaves the body.
Urethra, anus and perineum
Below the clitoris is the urethra, for passing urine. Further down is the entrance to the vagina, and behind that is the anus. The area of skin between the vagina and the anus is called the perineum.
The female reproductive system


Types of primary vaginal cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
- starts in the thin, flat (squamous) cells lining the vagina
- makes up about 85% of vaginal cancers
Adenocarcinoma
- develops from the mucus-producing (glandular) cells of the vagina
- includes clear cell carcinoma
- makes up 5–10% of vaginal cancers
Vaginal (mucosal) melanoma
- starts in the cells that give the skin its colour (melanocytes), which are also found in the lining of the vagina
- a rare form of vaginal cancer
Sarcoma
- develops from muscle, fat and other tissue deep in the wall of the vagina
- a rare form of vaginal cancer
Secondary vaginal cancer
Secondary cancer in the vagina is more common than primary vaginal cancer. This means the cancer has spread from another part of the body, such as the cervix, uterus, vulva, bladder, bowel or other nearby organs. Secondary vaginal cancer is managed differently from primary vaginal cancer.
For more on this, learn about the original cancer, see Living with advanced cancer, and speak to your treatment team.
Who gets vaginal cancer?
Vaginal cancer is one of the rarest types of cancer affecting the female reproductive system (gynaecological cancer). Each year in Australia, about 100 women are diagnosed with vaginal cancer, and it is more common in women over 60. However, vaginal cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma, can sometimes occur in younger women.
Anyone with a vagina can get vaginal cancer – women, transgender men and intersex people. For information specific to your situation, speak to your doctor.
What causes vaginal cancer?
The exact cause of vaginal cancer is unknown, but there are several factors that increase the risk of developing it.
Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN)
This is a precancerous condition that often has no symptoms. It means that the cells in the lining of the vagina are abnormal and may develop into cancer after many years. However, most people with VAIN do not develop vaginal cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause some people to develop VAIN. It can be many years between infection with HPV and the first signs of VAIN or vaginal cancer. HPV is a common virus and most people with HPV don’t develop vaginal or any other type of cancer.
HPV has been linked to several cancers, including vulvar, vaginal, cervical, anal, and mouth and throat cancers. Studies have shown that HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of developing abnormal cell changes that may lead to cancer, even at an older age. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccination may be of benefit to you.
Smoking
Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of developing vaginal cancer. This may be because smoking can make the immune system work less effectively.
History of gynaecological cancer
If you have previously been diagnosed with cervical cancer or early cervical cell changes that were considered to be precancerous, you may be more likely to be diagnosed with vaginal cancer. For more on this, see Cervical cancer.
Diethylstilboestrol (DES)
This synthetic hormone drug has been identified as a cause of a type of vaginal adenocarcinoma called clear cell carcinoma.
Between 1938 and 1971 – and occasionally beyond – DES was prescribed to pregnant women to prevent miscarriages. It is no longer prescribed to pregnant women in Australia.
The female children of women who took DES (called DES daughters) have an increased risk of developing a range of health problems. About one in 1000 DES daughters develops clear cell carcinoma of the vagina or cervix.
Vaginal cancer is not contagious and it can’t be passed to other people through sexual contact. It is not caused by an inherited faulty gene. For more information on vaginal cancer, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
More resources
A/Prof Alison Brand, Director, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Ellen Barlow, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Royal Hospital for Women, NSW; Jane Conroy-Wright, Consumer; Rebecca James, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Suparna Karpe, Clinical Psychologist, Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Dr Pearly Khaw, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Sally McCoull, Consumer; A/Prof Orla McNally, Gynaecological Oncologist and Director, Oncology/Dysplasia, The Royal Women’s Hospital, and Director, Gynaecology Tumour Stream,Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, VIC; Haley McNamara, Social Worker and Project Manager, Care at End of Life Project, Queensland Health, QLD; Tamara Wraith, Senior Clinician – Physiotherapy, The Royal Women’s Hospital, VIC.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
View all publications or call 13 11 20 for free printed copies.
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