Vaginal Cancer Surgery
Message from Dr. Ajay Simha
A diagnosis of vaginal cancer can be challenging for patients and their families. Concerns regarding treatment options, surgery, outcomes, and the road ahead are natural.
When vaginal cancer is suspected or diagnosed, a detailed evaluation is carried out to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of the disease. A personalised treatment plan is then formulated based on the type and extent of cancer, tumour location, involvement of surrounding tissues, lymph node status, overall health, and individual treatment goals.
I am Dr. Ajay Simha, Consultant Surgical Oncologist (Cancer Surgeon), providing vaginal cancer care at Manipal Hospitals Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru. This page provides an overview of vaginal cancer, including its symptoms, evaluation, treatment options, and surgical approaches.
What Is Vaginal Cancer?
Vaginal cancer develops when abnormal cells in the vagina begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to the formation of a tumour. The vagina is a muscular canal that connects the cervix and uterus to the external genital area.
Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer
The symptoms of vaginal cancer may not always appear during the early stages. Some symptoms can also overlap with other gynaecological conditions, making timely specialist evaluation important.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain or discomfort
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- A lump or mass in the vagina
- Pain while urinating
- Constipation or bowel changes in advanced cases
- Persistent discomfort in the pelvic region
Any unusual vaginal bleeding or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist for proper diagnosis and timely treatment planning.
Evaluation of Vaginal Cancer
When vaginal cancer is suspected based on symptoms and clinical examination, a detailed evaluation is performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.
The diagnostic process may include:
Pelvic Examination
A detailed pelvic examination helps evaluate the vagina, identify abnormal growths, and assess the surrounding tissues.
Vaginal Biopsy
A biopsy involves collecting a small tissue sample from the abnormal area. The sample is examined to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer.
Treatment Options for Vaginal Cancer
Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on several factors, including the type of tumour, stage of cancer, tumour location and size, extent of disease spread, lymph node involvement, and the patient’s overall health.
Surgery
Surgery may be considered for selected vaginal cancer patients, particularly when the tumour is localized and can be safely removed.
The main goal of surgery is to remove the cancer completely while preserving surrounding healthy tissues and maintaining function and quality of life whenever possible.
Lymph Node Assessment
Vaginal cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes. Evaluating these lymph nodes helps determine the stage of cancer and provides important information for further treatment planning.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and control tumour growth.
It is an important treatment option for vaginal cancer and may be recommended:
- As the primary treatment for certain vaginal cancers
- Before surgery to reduce tumour size in selected cases
- After surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence
- For advanced or recurrent vaginal cancer
Radiation treatment planning is personalised based on tumour characteristics, cancer stage, and individual treatment goals.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines to destroy cancer cells or slow their growth.
It may be recommended:
- Along with radiation therapy for certain advanced vaginal cancers
- Before surgery in selected cases
- For recurrent or metastatic vaginal cancer
The type and duration of chemotherapy depend on the cancer stage, tumour characteristics, overall health, and individual treatment response.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
For selected patients with advanced vaginal cancer, targeted therapies or immunotherapy may be considered based on tumour characteristics and treatment eligibility.
Targeted therapies act on specific changes associated with cancer cells, while immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.
Supportive Care
Supportive care is an important part of vaginal cancer treatment and focuses on helping patients manage treatment-related symptoms, maintain physical well-being, and support recovery.
Nutritional Support
Maintaining adequate nutrition is important during cancer treatment and recovery. Personalised nutritional guidance may help patients maintain strength and support overall well-being throughout treatment.
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy may be recommended when required to support recovery after surgery, improve mobility, manage treatment-related functional difficulties, and help patients gradually return to their daily activities.
Surgical Approaches for Vaginal Cancer
The surgical approach for vaginal cancer is selected based on the extent of disease, tumour characteristics, location of the tumour, and individual patient requirements.
Local Excision
Local excision involves removing the cancerous area along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This approach may be suitable for selected patients with small and localized vaginal tumours.
Reconstructive Surgery
In cases where extensive vaginal tissue removal is required, reconstructive procedures may be considered. The goal of reconstruction is to support healing, restore anatomy, and improve functional outcomes after surgery.
Dr. Ajay Simha is experienced in advanced surgical management of vaginal cancer, including appropriate open and minimally invasive surgical techniques when suitable for the individual patient. The goal is to achieve complete cancer removal while ensuring patient safety, surgical precision, functional preservation, and optimal recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common symptoms of vaginal cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, and a lump or growth in the vaginal area.
Vaginal cancer diagnosis may involve pelvic examination, vaginal biopsy, colposcopy, and imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET-CT scans when required.
Surgery is not required for every vaginal cancer patient. Treatment depends on cancer stage, tumour location, size, spread of disease, and individual patient factors.
A vaginectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing part or all of the vagina affected by cancer, depending on the extent of disease.
Modern treatment approaches focus on effective cancer removal while preserving surrounding structures and function whenever medically possible.