Dismiss Modal

Diagnosis

Vaginal Cancer: Diagnosis

Choose a preferred language


How is vaginal cancer diagnosed?

If your healthcare provider thinks you might have vaginal cancer, you will need certain exams and tests to be sure. Diagnosing vaginal cancer starts with your healthcare provider asking you questions. You will be asked about your health history, symptoms, risk factors, and family history of disease. A physical exam and a pelvic exam will be done. This allows your healthcare provider to look at your vagina and feel other organs in your pelvis to check for tumors or lumps.

Front view of woman's pelvis showing cross section of uterus, cervix, and vagina.


What tests might I need? 

You may have one or more of these tests:

  • Pelvic exam. This exam of the vagina and pelvis allows your healthcare provider to check for abnormal areas, such as lumps. They can also check the size, shape, and position of your uterus and ovaries.

  • Pap test. This test is done during a pelvic exam. A swab is wiped on the cervix or vagina to pick up cells. The cells are then checked under a microscope. They’re checked for any signs of cancer or precancer, infection, or inflammation.

  • Biopsy. A biopsy is when small pieces of tissue from the vagina are taken out and tested for cancer. A biopsy may be done during a colposcopy. It's the only way to know for sure that cell changes in the vagina are cancer and what type of cancer it is.

  • Colposcopy. This test uses a lighted magnifying tool called a colposcope to closely examine the cervix and vagina. The colposcope stays outside your body and the healthcare provider looks through it. If abnormal tissue is found, a small piece of it may be removed so it can be checked for cancer. This is called a colposcopic biopsy.


Getting your test results

When your healthcare provider has the results of your tests, they will contact you with the results. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about other tests you may need if vaginal cancer is found. This may include repeating the biopsy or more tests. Make sure you understand the results and what you need to do next.

Featured in

© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
stethoscope icon

Personalized care starts with the right provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

FIND A DOCTOR
Related Articles
Read article
OB/GYN
Vulvar Cancer: Newly Diagnosed

If you've been recently diagnosed with vulvar cancer, working with your healthcare team and learning about treatment choices can help.

Read article
OB/GYN
Vulvar Cancer: Diagnosis

Learn how vulvar cancer is diagnosed.

Read article
OB/GYN
Uterine Sarcoma: Grades and Stages

Once your healthcare provider knows you have cancer, the next step is to find out the grade and stage of the cancer. Staging and grading of cancer is important for deciding how to treat it, and how curable it is.

Read article
OB/GYN
Endometrial Cancer: Early Detection

Early detection means checking for a health problem before a person has symptoms. This can sometimes find diseases like cancer early, which can lead to early treatment. This may improve the chance that treatment will work.