Types of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer can start in the vagina itself (primary vaginal cancer) or spread into the vagina from another part of the body (secondary vaginal cancer).

Primary vaginal cancer

There are two main types of primary vaginal cancer, and they are named after the cells from which they develop:

• Squamous cell - The most common type of vaginal cancer is called squamous cell. This is usually found in the upper part of the vagina, and most commonly affects women aged 50–70.
• Adenocarcinoma -This type of vaginal cancer usually affects women under 20, but may occasionally occur in older women.

Other very rare types of vaginal cancer include melanoma, small cell carcinoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma.

Secondary vaginal cancer

Secondary cancers in the vagina are more common than primary vaginal cancer, and usually come from the neck of the womb (cervix), the lining of the womb (endometrium) or from nearby organs such as the bladder or bowel.