Cancerous tumours of the vagina

A cancerous tumour of the vagina can grow into nearby tissue and destroy it. The tumour can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancerous tumours are also called malignant tumours.

Vaginal cancer is rare. There are different types of vaginal cancer.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) begins in the squamous cells that make up the epithelial lining of the vagina. It is the most common type of vaginal cancer. SCC makes up about 85% of vaginal cancers and occurs most often in people aged 60 and older. It is most likely to occur in the upper area of the vagina near the cervix. It starts with precancerous changes in the epithelium called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN). The precancerous changes may then develop into cancer. SCC usually develops slowly over many years.

Adenocarcinoma begins in the gland cells of the vagina. Gland cells make mucus, hormones and lubricating fluids. Adenocarcinoma is the second most common type of vaginal cancer. It makes up about 15% of vaginal cancers and occurs most often in people aged 50 and older.

Melanoma is a very rare type of vaginal cancer. It makes up about 3% of vaginal cancers. Melanoma that occurs in the vagina is called mucosal lentiginous melanoma.

Sarcoma is another very rare type of vaginal cancer. It begins in the muscle or connective tissue cells of the vagina. These cells are deep in the walls of the vagina. Sarcoma makes up about 3% of vaginal cancers. There are several types of sarcomas that can occur in the vagina. The most common type is rhabdomyosarcoma.