Adapted for the Canadian edition by Barry Rosen, MD
Carcinoma of the vagina is a relatively uncommon disease, affecting only about 200 women in Canada each year. It accounts for only 1 to 2 percent of all gynecologic malignancies and occurs primarily in postmenopausal women. Cancer arising in another organ that spreads to the vagina is much more common.
Types The most common type of vaginal cancer develops in the surface (squamous) cells lining the vagina. About 85 percent of all vaginal cancers are squamous cell tumors. About 5 percent develop in glandular tissues (adenocarcinoma). Other cell types include melanoma (3 percent), sarcomas (3 percent) and endodermal sinus tumor (1 percent).
Squamous cell carcinomas, leiomyosarcomas and melanomas generally arise in older women. Adenocarcinomas and rhabdomyosarcomas usually occur during adolescence. The very rare sarcoma botryoides and endodermal sinus tumors most frequently occur in infants.
