What are the treatment options for vaginal cancer?

Doctors consider where the tumour is in the vagina, its size and depth, whether nearby tissues or lymph nodes are involved, and whether it has spread. The treatment goal is to control the cancer while protecting bladder, bowel, sexual and reproductive health as far as possible.

Radiotherapy treats a defined area from outside the body. Brachytherapy places a radiation source close to or inside the tumour for focused treatment. Some people need one approach, while others receive both or another local treatment selected by a specialist team.

Ask how examination, imaging and tissue testing shaped the recommendation. Discuss skin and vaginal care, bowel and bladder effects, sexual wellbeing, fertility, menopause symptoms and emotional support before treatment starts.

Keep a record of medicines and symptoms. Ask whether a radiation specialist, nurse, pelvic health professional or counsellor can support recovery, and what practical help may be needed during appointments.

Contact your care team promptly for heavy vaginal bleeding, severe pelvic pain, fever, inability to pass urine, persistent vomiting, or new severe bowel symptoms. New bleeding, discharge, pain or urinary changes after treatment also deserve assessment rather than being assumed to be a treatment effect.

Where is the tumour and what do the scans show? Would external radiotherapy, brachytherapy or both be used? How will nearby organs be protected? What changes to fertility, sexual health, bowel or bladder function should I plan for?