Vaginal Cancer Symptoms

Vaginal cancer symptoms are similar to those of cervical cancer and in more advanced stages can include:

  • Persistent vaginal discharge
  • Bloody vaginal discharge
  • Bleeding after sexual intercourse
  • Abnormal bleeding: especially after menopause or between periods
  • Increased urinary frequency and blood-tinged urine
  • Lower abdominal pain that persists
  • Pain that radiates down the leg
  • Swollen leg (seen in more advanced cases)

The most common symptom is abnormal bleeding or vaginal discharge. Bleeding after intercourse, especially in pre-menopausal women, should be investigated immediately by your doctor.

As with cervical cancers, these cancers are highly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infections. For more information on HPV and Pap testing, click here. For more information on HPV prevention, click here.

What are the risk factors?