Can HPV infection cause vaginal cancer?

Most HPV infections do not progress to cancer. A positive HPV result identifies an infection or viral material in the tested area; it does not establish that vaginal cancer is present.

High-risk HPV can persist in cells lining the vagina and interfere with their normal growth controls. Precancerous changes may develop before an invasive cancer forms, although infection can clear and abnormal cells do not always progress. Vaginal cancer can also occur without an HPV-driven pathway.

Cervical screening samples the cervix rather than the full vaginal lining, so it should not be treated as a test for every vaginal problem. A clinician can inspect the vagina and may take a small tissue sample from an abnormal area to determine what the cells are.

Arrange a gynaecological assessment for vaginal bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding between periods, watery or blood-stained discharge, pain during sex, or continuing pelvic pain. These changes have several possible causes, but the affected area needs examination when symptoms persist or are unexplained.

Attend cervical screening when invited because it addresses cervical disease, and follow any separate plan given after abnormal vaginal or cervical findings. Ask whether HPV vaccination is suitable for you; it helps prevent infections covered by the vaccine but does not remove an infection already present.

Contact a clinician promptly about any bleeding after menopause or unexplained bleeding between periods or after sex. Also arrange assessment for ongoing unusual discharge, discomfort during sex, or pelvic pain. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, fainting, severe weakness, or severe and rapidly worsening pelvic pain.

Consider asking whether the vagina and cervix both need examination, what could explain the bleeding or discharge, and whether magnified examination or biopsy is appropriate. If abnormal cells are identified, ask where they are located, whether they are precancerous or cancerous, and how follow-up will be organised.