Vaginal cancer doesn’t always have visible symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include raised bumps, flat spots, or discolored skin patches around your vaginal opening or inside your vaginal canal.
Vaginal cancer involves cancerous cells growing in your vaginal canal’s tissues. It rarely causes symptoms in the early stages.
When symptoms do occur, they may resemble more common — and potentially less serious — vaginal conditions.
The look and location of an internal mass caused by vaginal cancer can depend on the type of vaginal cancer and the stage.
Sometimes, vaginal cancer causes a nodule (single lump) inside your vaginal canal. Other times, it can cause a cluster of ulcers (sores) or wart-like growths at your vaginal canal’s opening or deeper inside of it.
The most common form of vaginal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, starts in your vagina’s lining and forms flat, skin-like bumps, explained Damian P. Alagia, MD, the senior medical director for advanced diagnostics and women’s health at Quest Diagnostics.
Adenocarcinoma begins in your gland cells. It accounts for around 1 out of 10 vaginal cancers. This type may cause a single lump or bump along your vaginal canal.
About 3 out of every 100 vaginal cancers are sarcomas. This type begins in your vaginal wall’s connective and muscular tissue. It can also cause a single or multiple lump formation.
“There’s also vaginal melanoma which is very, very rare,” said Alagia. This form of vaginal cancer develops from your melanocytes (skin cells that produce pigment), leading to discoloration in your vaginal canal and at its opening.
Vaginal cancer can also cause:
- spotting between menstrual periods
- postmenopausal bleeding
- pain during penetrative sex
- bloody urine or stool
- unusual or foul-smelling discharge
Vaginal cancer spreading outside your pelvis can cause:
- pain during urination
- constipation
- frequent urge to urinate
- lower abdominal, pelvic, or back pain
- edema (swelling in your legs)
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Yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis can cause atypical discharge and generalized burning or pain with penetration.
Meanwhile, the hallmark symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include painful urination and urinary urgency.
“Skin changes like lumps, bumps, and sores, as well as irritation, pelvic pain, and bleeding, can [also] be symptoms of sexually transmitted infections,” said Michelle M. Forcier, MD, a gender affirming clinician with virtual healthcare service FOLX.
“The best thing to do if you have unusual symptoms down there is to see a clinician, tell them your symptoms, and get an exam,” said Forcier.
Whether your symptoms occur from vaginal cancer or an infection, they can offer you a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Gabrielle Kassel (she/her) is a queer sex educator and wellness journalist who is committed to helping people feel the best they can in their bodies. In addition to Healthline, her work has appeared in publications such as Shape, Cosmopolitan, Well+Good, Health, Self, Women’s Health, Greatist, and more! In her free time, Gabrielle can be found coaching CrossFit, reviewing pleasure products, hiking with her border collie, or recording episodes of the podcast she co-hosts called Bad In Bed. Follow her on Instagram @Gabriellekassel.