Symptoms of vaginal melanoma

Vaginal melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells in vaginal tissue. A lesion may look dark, uneven, or raised, but colour alone does not diagnose it. Bleeding after sex, bleeding after menopause, persistent spotting, or a discharge that is new for you deserves assessment. Many non-cancerous conditions can cause these symptoms, so they should not be self-diagnosed.

A clinician may inspect the vagina and cervix, feel for changes, and arrange a biopsy or imaging if needed. Diagnosis requires examination of tissue rather than appearance alone.

Book a prompt appointment with a gynaecologist or other qualified clinician for a new lump, changing patch, unexplained bleeding, or persistent discomfort. Note the timing of bleeding, discharge colour or odour, pain, and any treatments already tried. Avoid inserting products or douching before assessment unless advised.

If melanoma is confirmed, the team may discuss staging, surgical excision, other tumour-removal surgery, or systemic treatment. Follow-up after cancer treatment helps monitor recovery and new concerns.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, dizziness or fainting, severe pelvic pain, fever with worsening discharge, or difficulty passing urine. These signs can indicate substantial blood loss, infection, obstruction, or another problem requiring rapid treatment.

Ask what examination is planned, whether a biopsy is needed, how results will be explained, and whether imaging or a specialist referral is appropriate. If melanoma is diagnosed, ask how the stage is determined, what surgery or medicines may be considered, and how follow-up will work.