To confirm or rule out a vaginal cancer diagnosis, a physician will generally begin by evaluating a woman’s symptoms, discussing her family history and risk factors and performing a pelvic examination. Because vaginal cancer often produces no symptoms, it is important for all women to learn about the common signs of vaginal cancer, such as pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding, to be watchful for any health changes and to promptly bring any such changes to the attention of a medical professional.
The multispecialty team of experts in the gynecologic clinic at Moffitt Cancer Center uses the latest diagnostic techniques and technologies when assessing a patient. Some of the tests we may use to make a vaginal cancer diagnosis include:
- Biopsy – A physician will use an instrument called a colposcope to view the interior of the vagina under magnification and remove a small sample of vaginal tissue for further evaluation under a microscope.
- Imaging tests – Some of the imaging tests that may be used during the diagnostic process include computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans and X-rays.
- Endoscopic tests – To determine if vaginal cancer has spread, a physician might use an endoscope to perform a proctosigmoidoscopy to view the interior of the rectum and colon, or a cystoscopy to look inside the bladder.
Highly acclaimed for our research breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of cancer, Moffitt is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center based in Florida. Through highly focused studies and promising clinical trials, we continue to make important strides toward our goal of one day finding a cancer cure. Our patient outcomes and survival rates consistently outrank the national averages, and our patients have an enhanced quality of life.
If you’ve recently received a vaginal cancer diagnosis or would like more information about the condition, you can turn to the experts at Moffitt. Call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form online. We see patients with and without referrals.
