July 29, 2025, 9:46 am | Read time: 5 minutes

What Do Vulva and Vagina Actually Mean?

• The vulva is the external part of the female genital organs. This includes the outer and inner labia, the clitoris, the vestibule, and the area around the urethral and vaginal openings.
• The vagina refers to the internal genital organs. More specifically, it is the approximately eight to ten centimeter long stretchable muscle canal that connects the vulva with the uterus.

What Is Vaginal Cancer?

“Vaginal cancer (med. vaginal carcinoma) is an extremely rare form of cancer that affects the mucous membrane inside the vagina. In Germany, about 500 women are diagnosed with it annually. In over 95 percent of cases, these are so-called squamous cell carcinomas that originate from the top cell layer of the vaginal mucosa. Other types of tumors, such as adenocarcinomas (from glandular cells), malignant melanomas (a form of skin cancer), or rhabdomyosarcomas in children, which originate from muscle cells, are less common,” explains Dr. Gößlinghoff.

How Vaginal Cancer Differs from Vulvar Cancer

The decisive factor is the location of the disease’s origin. If the tumor develops in the vaginal mucosa, it is referred to as vaginal cancer. If its origin is in the external genital area, it is vulvar cancer (med. vulvar carcinoma).

What Makes Vaginal Carcinoma So Tricky

Dr. Gößlinghoff warns: “Vaginal cancer usually develops slowly and initially causes no symptoms. This is what makes it so dangerous, as many women ignore early signs or attribute them to harmless causes such as hormonal fluctuations or irritations. As a result, the tumor is often only discovered at an advanced stage.”

What Symptoms Can Occur?

The symptoms of vaginal cancer are often nonspecific or absent at the beginning. Only later do symptoms appear that can easily be mistaken for other, harmless causes. These include bleeding outside of menstruation, after intercourse, or after menopause, as well as unusual discharge that may be foul-smelling or bloody. Some women report itching, burning, or pain in the vagina, while others experience discomfort or pain during sex. A feeling of pressure in the pelvis or unexplained back pain can also be signs of the disease.

When You Should See a Doctor Immediately

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, especially if they persist for several days, you should see your gynecologist:

• Heavier bleeding outside of menstruation
• Itching or burning that lasts longer than a week
• Lumps or changes that can be felt
• Unexplained, noticeable, foul-smelling discharge
• Pain in the vagina or pelvis

Possible Causes of Vaginal Cancer

• Human papillomaviruses (HPV): Especially high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18 are suspected of causing cell changes in the vaginal mucosa that can later lead to cancer.
• Smoking: Nicotine weakens the immune system and promotes carcinogenic processes in the body.
• Previous cancers: Especially cervical cancer increases the risk of vaginal carcinoma.
• Chronic inflammations: They can promote cell changes in the intimate area.
• Age: Vaginal cancer usually occurs from the age of 60 onwards, although younger women can also be affected.
• Weakened immune system: such as from an HIV infection or taking immunosuppressive medications.
• Changing partnerships: Changing sexual partners and early first sexual intercourse increase the risk of contracting sexually transmitted pathogens.

How Does the Disease Progress?

The disease progresses insidiously. Initially, so-called precancerous changes, abnormal cell changes that can develop into cancer, often appear. Without treatment, an invasive tumor can develop, growing into surrounding tissue and spreading through the lymphatic system or blood vessels.

Also interesting: Symptoms That Indicate Lymph Node Cancer

What Treatment Options Are Available?

“The treatment of vaginal cancer is always tailored individually to the stage of the disease, the exact location and spread of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Surgery is often used, where the tumor and, in advanced cases, parts of the vagina or adjacent organs are removed. If surgery is not possible or the tumor is already larger, radiation therapy is often performed. Additionally, chemotherapy may be necessary, especially if the cancer has already metastasized. In certain cases, such as HPV-related tumors, immunotherapy may also be used,” says Dr. Gößlinghoff.

How Good Are the Chances of Recovery?

If vaginal cancer is detected early, the chances of recovery are good. In the early stages, the five-year survival rate is about 70 to 90 percent. However, it decreases significantly in advanced stages, especially if metastases are present.

More on the topic

Gynecologist Explains Vaginal Stenosis: A Little-Known Phenomenon During Menopause

During Menopause Why Women Shouldn’t Settle for This Intimate Problem

Is Vaginal Cancer Hereditary?

Vaginal cancer is generally not directly hereditary. However, a genetic predisposition can increase the risk for HPV-related tumors or immune weaknesses, thereby indirectly increasing the likelihood.

How You Can Prevent It

• HPV vaccination: The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends the vaccination for girls and boys from the age of nine. It reliably protects against the most common cancer-causing HPV types.
• Regular check-ups: Swabs and gynecological screenings help detect cell changes early.
• Don’t smoke: Avoiding nicotine significantly reduces the risk.
• Gentle intimate hygiene: Mild cleaning and breathable clothing protect the mucous membranes.
• Safer sex: Condoms reduce the risk of HPV infection, although they do not offer 100 percent protection.