What it is
Treatment depends on the size and stage of the cancer, and can include radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy.
The HPV vaccine and stopping smoking lower the risk. Any unusual vaginal bleeding should be checked.
Common signs
- Bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause
- Unusual or smelly vaginal discharge
- A lump in the vagina
- Pain during sex
- Pain when peeing or needing to pee more often
- Pain in the pelvis
How it is usually diagnosed
- Internal examination
- Colposcopy
- Biopsy
- MRI, CT or PET scans to check spread
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Colposcopy reports
- Biopsy and histology reports
- Scan reports
- Oncology letters
- Treatment summaries
Questions to ask your doctor
- What stage is the cancer?
- What treatment do you recommend and why?
- How will treatment affect my sex life?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding with dizziness or fainting: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.