FOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Source: Vaginal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 5, 2023 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
The prognosis depends on the following:
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The stage of the cancer (whether it is in the vagina only or has spread to other areas).
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The size of the tumor.
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The grade of tumor cells (how different they look from normal cells under a microscope).
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Where the cancer is within the vagina.
Whether there are signs or symptoms at diagnosis.
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Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back).
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Treatment options depend on the following:
The stage and size of the cancer.
Whether the cancer is close to other organs that may be damaged by treatment.
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Whether the tumor is made up of squamous cells or is an adenocarcinoma.
Whether the patient has a uterus or has had a hysterectomy.
Whether the patient has had past radiation treatment to the pelvis.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice
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