Every patient has access to a gynaecology cancer nurse specialist team from the time of diagnosis. There are many teams around Yorkshire. You will be given the names and contact details of the nurse specialists in your area.
The most common symptoms of vaginal cancer are:
- Blood-stained vaginal discharge
- Bleeding after menopause, between periods or after sex
- Pain when passing urine, needing to pass urine often or blood in the urine
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Constipation or feeling you need to pass a bowel motion even though you just have
- Swelling in your legs
These symptoms can be caused by many other conditions. But if you notice any of them it’s important to see your doctor to have them checked.
It’s rare for cancers to start in the vagina. They usually start in the cervix or womb, and grow into the vagina. There are different types of vaginal cancer.
Diagnostic tests
Investigations that may be recommended to obtain a diagnosis can include:
- A pelvic examination in the clinic
- Blood tests
- A CT scan
- An MRI scan
- A PET Scan
- Ultrasound scan – this is a procedure which involves examining a part of the body with an ultrasound machine
- Ultrasound scan with a biopsy – this is a procedure which involves examining a part of the body with an ultrasound machine and if a biopsy is required, a needle is inserted through the skin to take away a small amount of tissue
- Hysteroscopy – a procedure used to examine the inside of the womb
- Colposcopy – this is a procedure to find out whether there are abnormal cells on the cervix (neck of the womb). It is usually carried out if there has been an abnormal smear. A microscope (colposcope) with a strong light is used to look at the cervix. The colposcope doesn’t enter the vagina and remains outside the body. Different liquids are dabbed onto the cervix to help identify any areas of abnormal cells. If an abnormal area is found then a small sample of tissue (biopsy) will be taken from the surface of the cervix. A biopsy is about the size of a pinhead. It can cause slight stinging and it should not be painful. The procedure is usually carried out in the outpatient department, while you are awake
- Examination Under Anaesthetic (EUA) – this is a day case operation where examination of the vagina, cervix and occasionally the bladder are carried out under a general anaesthetic. Biopsies may be taken from these areas
Once the diagnosis is known patients are seen in clinic by a gynaecology cancer specialist to provide information about the type of gynaecological cancer and potential treatment plan.