Symptoms

Precancerous conditions, such as VAIN, and vaginal cancer do not often cause symptoms in the early stages, but cancer in more advanced stages can cause symptoms. However, many cases of VAIN and early vaginal cancer can be found through regular gynecologic examinations or Pap tests (see Diagnosis).

Women with vaginal cancer may experience the following symptoms. Sometimes, women with vaginal cancer do not show any of these symptoms. Or, these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not cancer. If you are concerned about a symptom on this list, please talk with your doctor.

The most common symptom of vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal bleeding during or after menopause is not normal and is always a sign of a problem. Other symptoms of vaginal cancer include:

• Abnormal vaginal discharge
  
  
• Difficulty or pain when urinating
  
  
• Pain during sexual intercourse
  
  
• Pain in the pelvic area (the lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones)
  
  
• Pain in the back or legs
  
  
• Swelling in the legs