Types of Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is rare. It accounts for about 3% of all reproductive cancers in women. Here are the types of vaginal cancer.
- Squamous cell carcinoma — This is the most common type. It begins in the thin, flat cells of the vaginal lining. This is called the epithelium. About 90% of vaginal cancers are this type. It usually develops over many years. It starts with precancerous changes called intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN).
- Adenocarcinomas — These develop in the gland cells that make mucus and other vaginal fluid. About 5% to 10% of vaginal cancers are this type. It occurs mostly in women older than 50. One subtype is called clear cell adenocarcinoma. It is more common in women whose mother took the drug DES while pregnant.
- Malignant melanoma — The lining tissue of the vagina is similar to ordinary skin. Though it is not common, a type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma can develop here. It grows in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. These are in the vaginal lining. These cancers make up about 2% to 3% of vaginal cancers.
- Sarcoma — This type of vaginal cancer forms deep within the wall of the vagina. About 2% to 3% of vaginal cancers are this type. The most common type of sarcoma is called leiomyosarcoma. It mostly affects women older than 50.
- Metastatic lesions — These lesions are vaginal cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. They are sometimes called secondary tumors.