Vaginal Cancer: Diagnosis
Cancer of the vagina is rare. Certain factors thought to raise the risk for this type of cancer include advancing age, history of cervical cancer, and infection with the human papillomavirus.
Featured Treatments
Clinic for Reproductive Health and Cancer
The Clinic for Reproductive Health and Cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital provides guidance on fertility preservation for cancer patients to help protect their future reproductive options.
Gynecologic Program
Using cutting-edge technology including intensity modulated radiation therapy, proton therapy, intraoperative radiation, and brachytherapy our team of dedicated radiation oncologists treat a wide variety of gynecologic malignancies.
PET-CT
PET-CT services are available in Boston, Chelsea and Danvers.
مركز علاج سرطان الجهاز التناسلي
نقدم رعاية شاملة للمرأة قائمة على الابتكار الجراحي والأبحاث والتجارب السريرية في جميع أنواع ومراحل سرطان الجهاز التناسلي، بما في ذلك سرطان عنق الرحم وبطانة الرحم والمبيض والرحم والمهبل والفرج
妇科肿瘤中心
有赖于手术创新、研究和临床试验的支持,麻省总医院为所有类型和分期的妇科癌症患者提供全面护理服务,包括宫颈癌、子宫内膜癌、卵巢癌、子宫癌、阴道癌和外阴癌。
Vaginal Cancer: Diagnosis
How is vaginal cancer diagnosed?
If your healthcare provider thinks you might have vaginal cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure. Diagnosing vaginal cancer starts with your healthcare provider asking you questions. You will be asked about your health history, symptoms, risk factors, and family history of disease. A physical exam and a pelvic exam will be done. This allows your healthcare provider to look at your vagina and feel other organs in your pelvis to check for tumors or lumps.
What tests might I need?
You may have one or more of these tests:
Pelvic exam. This exam of the vagina and pelvis allows your healthcare provider to check for abnormal areas, such as lumps. They can also check the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries.
Pap test. This test is done during a pelvic exam. A swab is wiped on the cervix or vagina to pick up cells. The cells are then checked under a microscope. They’re checked for any signs of cancer or precancer, infection, or inflammation.
Biopsy. A biopsy is when small pieces of tissue from the vagina are taken out and tested for cancer. A biopsy may be done during a colposcopy. It's the only way to know for sure that cell changes in the vagina are cancer and what type of cancer it is.
Colposcopy. This test uses a lighted magnifying tool called a colposcope to closely examine the cervix and vagina. The colposcope stays outside your body and the healthcare provider looks through it. If abnormal tissue is found, a small piece of it may be removed so it can be checked for cancer. This is called a colposcopic biopsy.
Getting your test results
When your healthcare provider has the results of your tests, they will contact you with the results. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about other tests you may need if vaginal cancer is found. This may include repeating the biopsy or more tests. Make sure you understand the results and what you need to do next.
News & Publications
Mass General News
Read the latest news from Massachusetts General Hospital.
Advances in Motion
Our publication keeps health care professionals up to date on the latest research and clinical advances from Mass General.
Research Institute Blog
News and notes from the largest hospital-based research program in the United States
Charged
A podcast devoted to uncovering the stories of Mass General's relentless pursuit to break boundaries and provide exceptional care
Patient Gateway
The Patient Gateway provides secure online access to your health information whenever you need it. Check upcoming appointments, communicate with your doctor’s office, review medications and pay medical bills—all seamlessly online 24/7.