Many people have a natural reluctance to talk about gynecological issues, and that reticence can make those diseases even more dangerous and deadly. Vaginal cancer is a case in point. Many women are reluctant to discuss sensitive issues with their family doctors, and that can make the diagnosis and treatment of this serious illness that much more difficult.

Another thing that makes vaginal cancer so hard to diagnose is that it often causes no symptoms – at least in the early stages of the disease. As the tumors grow and spread, women may notice a variety of symptoms, and these signs should be brought to the attention of a doctor as soon as possible.

Some of the most common symptoms of vaginal cancer include unusual bleeding, particularly after sex or following the onset of menopause. Women may also notice a watery vaginal discharge or chronic pelvic pain. Other symptoms to watch out for include a lump or mass inside the vagina, constipation and painful urination. While these symptoms can be caused by a number of less serious conditions, they should always be brought to the attention of a medical professional.

While all women are at risk of vaginal cancer, advancing age and exposure to certain drugs can predispose certain women to the disease. Women over 60 are at higher risk for vaginal cancer, and those women should have regular pap smears and gynecological exams. Women who were exposed to the drug diethylstilbestrol, or DES, in utero are also at increased risk. DES was used throughout the 1950s to prevent miscarriages. An unfortunate side effect of this commonly used drug was an increase in the risk of vaginal cancer among women exposed to the agent before birth.

Exposure to HPV infections is another risk factor for not only vaginal cancer but cervical cancer as well. That is why it is so important for all women to have regular pap tests to look for signs of an HPV infection. A past history of cervical cancer can also increase the risk of developing vaginal cancer, so survivors need to be especially vigilant about their follow-up care.

 Any woman who suspects she might have vaginal cancer should discuss those concerns with her doctor. An experienced doctor will be able to evaluate the symptoms and determine whether they are truly cause for concern. During that process, the doctor will perform a thorough physical exam and take a detailed medical history to help determine specific risk.

The doctor may also perform a thorough gynecological exam to look for lumps and other suspicious masses inside the vagina and throughout the lower abdomen. Women can also expect to undergo a pap test as part of the examination process. The doctor will then take the results of the pap test, along with the results of the physical exam, and use them to make a preliminary diagnosis. If cancer is suspected, the doctor may order a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, followed by a course of treatment tailored to the stage of the disease and the individual patient.

Every woman is at risk from vaginal cancer, and it is up to every woman to look for signs and symptoms of this serious disease. If you suspect that you or someone you love may be suffering from vaginal cancer, the first step is to consult a doctor and undergo the examination that could save the life of you or your loved one.