The vagina is the tube that runs between the cervix (the lower part of the uterus or womb) and the vulva (the female external genitalia).

There are different types of vaginal cancer but the most common is squamous cell carcinoma, a growth that develops in the lining of the vagina. These account for up to 95% of all cases of vaginal cancer.

Primary vaginal cancer (cancer that originates in the vagina) is a very rare disease. More commonly, cancer will begin in another part of the body and spread to the vagina (secondary vaginal cancer).

The symptoms and treatment of vaginal cancer depend on the stage the cancer has reached when it is diagnosed. The recognised stages of vaginal cancer are:

1. Cancer is limited to the wall of the vagina.

2. Cancer has spread past the walls of the vagina, but not as far as the pelvis.

3. Cancer has reached the pelvic wall, lymph nodes or both.

4. Cancer has spread past the pelvis to the bladder, rectum or distant organs such as the lungs.

It is not known exactly what causes primary vaginal cancer. However, women whose mothers took the hormonal drug diethylstilbestrol during pregnancy to boost oestrogen levels, (to prevent miscarriage) are at higher risk of developing a rare type of vaginal cancer called clear cell carcinoma.

There may also be a link between human papilloviruses (HPV) and all cancers of the reproductive organs, including the vagina. HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Treatment

The most common treatment for vaginal cancer is surgery. Depending on how far advanced the cancer is, part or the entire vagina will be removed during surgery. 

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may also be used to kill the cancerous cells.As with most types of cancer, early detection and treatment offers the best chances of recovery which is why regular cervical smear tests are so important.