Treatment for vaginal cancer

Your treatment depends on a number of factors including the type and stage of cancer and where the cancer is in your vagina. Treatments include radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy. You might have chemotherapy and radiotherapy together (chemoradiotherapy).

Preparing for treatment and life afterwards (prehabilitation)

There are things you can do to help you feel more in control of your health when preparing for treatment. This is called prehabilitation or prehab.

Treatment options for vaginal cancer

The two main treatments for vaginal cancer are radiotherapy and surgery. You may also have chemotherapy alongside radiotherapy.

Surgery for vaginal cancer

The type of surgery you need depends on the stage of your cancer and where it is in your vagina.

Laser treatment for abnormal cells in the vagina

You may have laser treatment to treat abnormal cells in the lining of the vagina. These abnormal cells are called vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN).

Radiotherapy for vaginal cancer

Radiotherapy uses high energy waves similar to x-rays to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy for vaginal cancer

Chemotherapy uses anti cancer drugs to destroy cancer. You might have it with radiotherapy for vaginal cancer, or as your main treatment if your cancer is advanced.

Follow up after vaginal cancer treatment

At first, you usually have follow up appointments every few months to check how you are.

Last reviewed: 
06 Sep 2021
Next review due: 
06 Sep 2024