What should you know about vaginal skin cancer?

A persistent change on the vaginal skin needs medical assessment because irritation, infection and cancer can look similar. Possible changes include a sore, thickened or scaly patch, a lump, altered colour, itching, pain or bleeding. These findings do not by themselves establish cancer. A clinician may inspect the vulvovaginal area, feel nearby tissue and take a small biopsy if a change remains unexplained.

The vaginal lining is different from the external skin, so describe exactly where you noticed the change. The clinician may ask about duration, bleeding, discharge, pain, sexual discomfort, skin products and previous infections or skin conditions. A biopsy examines cells from the affected area and may be needed to distinguish inflammation, pre-cancerous change and cancer. The result guides whether observation, local treatment, surgery or radiation treatment is appropriate.

Book an appointment for a sore, lump, colour change, itching or bleeding that persists, returns or grows. Note its location and changes, and list creams, washes, medicines and supplements you use. Use gentle unscented washing and avoid scratching or applying a new medicated product before assessment unless a clinician recommends it. Ask whether you should avoid sex or other activities if the area is painful or bleeding.

Contact a clinician promptly for worsening pain, bleeding from the area, a rapidly enlarging lump, fever with discharge, or difficulty passing urine. Seek emergency care for severe bleeding, faintness, sudden severe pain or serious breathing difficulty. If a diagnosis is made, the team may explain Vaginal Cancer and discuss Radiotherapy or Brachytherapy according to the location and extent of disease.

Could this change be irritation, infection, a skin condition or something else? Do I need a biopsy, and how will the area be cared for afterward? When should I expect results? If cancer is diagnosed, what treatments fit its position and depth, and what side effects should I prepare for?