TriangleHEALTH PROFESSIONAL · SOURCE READING
Treatment Options for Stages II, III, and IVa Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Adenocarcinoma of the Vagina
Source: Vaginal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: April 3, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
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Context: Treatment of Stages II, III, and IVa Vaginal Cancer
Treatment options for stage II SCC and adenocarcinoma of the vagina, stage III SCC and adenocarcinoma of the vagina, and stage IVa SCC and adenocarcinoma of the vagina include:
Radiation therapy.
Radiation therapy.
External-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) alone or in combination with interstitial and/or intracavitary brachytherapy.[1-5] For example, EBRT for a period of 5 to 6 weeks (including the pelvic lymph nodes) followed by an interstitial and/or intracavitary implant for a total tumor dose of 75 Gy to 80 Gy and a dose to the lateral pelvic wall of 55 Gy to 60 Gy.[1-3]
Radiation therapy.
For lesions in the lower third of the vagina, elective radiation therapy of 45 Gy to 50 Gy is given to the pelvic and/or inguinal lymph nodes.[1,2,6]
Surgery.
Surgery.
Radical vaginectomy or pelvic exenteration is performed with or without radiation therapy.[7-10]
Chemoradiation.[11]
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Preserved source evidence · Not medical advice