Vaginal cancer

Symptoms of vaginal cancer

It’s rare to have symptoms if you have very early vaginal cancer or abnormal cell changes (VAIN). Your doctor or nurse may pick up signs of VAIN or vaginal cancer during routine cervical screening.

Possible symptoms

The most common symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

vaginal bleeding in between periods or after the menopause
vaginal bleeding or spotting after sex
vaginal discharge that smells or is blood stained
pain during sexual intercourse
a lump or growth in the vagina that you or your doctor can feel
a vaginal itch that won't go away

Remember that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as infection.

Other symptoms

These symptoms are more likely with advanced vaginal cancer:

constipation
feeling unable to completely empty your bowels even if there is nothing there to come out
swelling in your legs (oedema)
pain or pressure in the pelvic area that won’t go away
pain when going for a wee, blood in your wee, or going more often than usual

Risk after hysterectomy

It is possible to get vaginal cancer, even if you have had your womb removed (a hysterectomy). If you have any of the symptoms of vaginal cancer you should go to your GP or . The gynaecologist can take a sample of cells from the top of the vagina. This is called a vault smear.

If you had your womb removed for pre cancerous cells of the cervix (CIN), you may have regular examinations for about 18 months afterwards.

If you have any of these symptoms you must get them checked by your GP. But remember, they can all be caused by other conditions. Most people with these symptoms don’t have vaginal cancer.

Get tips on seeing your GP about your symptoms

Last reviewed: 07 Mar 2024

Next review due: 08 Mar 2027

Seeing your GP when you have symptoms of vaginal cancer

See your GP if you notice a change that isn't normal for you or if you have any of the possible signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer.

Referral to a specialist for symptoms of vaginal cancer

Your GP should arrange for you to see a specialist if you have symptoms that could be due to vaginal cancer.

Screening for vaginal cancer

There is no national screening programme for vaginal cancer in the UK.

Tests for vaginal cancer

You have a number of tests to check for vaginal cancer. This includes an examination of your vagina and taking a sample of tissue called biopsies.

Risks and causes of vaginal cancer

We don’t know what causes most vaginal cancers. But there are some factors that may increase your risk of developing it.

Vaginal cancer main page

Vaginal cancer is very rare. It starts in the vagina, which is the passage that leads from the neck of the womb (cervix) to the vulva. Vaginal cancer is more common in older women.