Some vaginal cancers may need to be removed with an operation. The gynaecological oncologist will try to remove all of the cancer along with some of the surrounding healthy tissue (called a margin). This helps reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. Some lymph nodes in your pelvis may also be removed.
For more on this, call Cancer Council 13 11 20 or see Surgery.
Learn more about:
- Types of surgery
- Treatment for lymph nodes
- What to expect after surgery
- Recovering from surgery at home
Types of surgery
There are several different operations for vaginal cancer. The type of surgery recommended depends on the size and position of the cancer. Your gynaecological oncologist will talk to you about the risks and complications of your surgery, as well as possible side effects.
Removing part of the vagina (partial vaginectomy)
Only the affected part of the vagina is removed.
Removing the whole vagina (total vaginectomy)
The entire vagina is removed.
Removing the whole vagina and surrounding tissue (radical vaginectomy)
The entire vagina and surrounding tissue is removed. In some cases, a reconstructive (plastic) surgeon can make a new vagina using skin and muscle from other parts of your body. This is called vaginal reconstruction or formation of a neovagina. It is done so you can have sexual intercourse if that is important to you and your partner.
Hysterectomy
Some people also need to have their uterus and cervix removed (total hysterectomy). Your gynaecological oncologist will let you know whether it is also necessary to remove your ovaries and fallopian tubes (salpingo-oophorectomy). If you are premenopausal, it is unlikely that the ovaries will need to be removed as vaginal cancer is not affected by hormones. Removing your ovaries would bring on menopause.
Treatment of lymph nodes
Cancer cells can spread from the vagina to nearby lymph nodes in the pelvis. Your gynaecological oncologist may remove some lymph nodes from your pelvis. This is called a lymph node dissection or lymphadenectomy.
Sometimes, the removal of lymph nodes in the groin can stop or slow the natural flow of lymphatic fluid. When this happens, it can cause one or both legs to swell. This is known as lymphoedema – read more information and some tips on managing this side effect.
Key resource
Download a PDF booklet on this topic.
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.
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