Vaginal cancer
Also known as: Malignant neoplasms of vagina, unspecified
General information only. Anpheros does not diagnose and does not recommend treatment. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about your situation. In an emergency, call 112 (or your local emergency number).
In short
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the vagina, which is the canal leading from the cervix to the outside of the body. People are more likely to develop vaginal cancer if they are age 60 or older, have had certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, have had abnormal cells in the vagina, cervix, or uterus, or were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before being born. Vaginal cancer often does not have early symptoms, but signs to watch for include vaginal bleeding that is not a period, a vaginal lump, pelvic pain, pain during sex, pain while urinating, constipation, or blood in the stool or urine. To find out if vaginal cancer is present, providers use tests such as a pelvic exam, colposcopy, or biopsy, and treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
AI-generated summary of the sources cited on this page, checked automatically against them. Not reviewed by a clinician; not medical advice.
Codes
Description
What is vaginal cancer?
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that starts in the vagina. The vagina is the canal leading from your cervix (the opening of your uterus) to the outside of your body.
Who is more likely to develop vaginal cancer?
You are more likely to develop vaginal cancer if:
- You're age 60 or older.
- You've had certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
- You were exposed to a medicine called DES (diethylstilbestrol) before you were born. Between 1940-1971, DES was sometimes prescribed to prevent miscarriages. DES was later linked to different health problems, including vaginal cancer.
- You have had abnormal cells in your vagina, cervix, or uterus.
What are the symptoms of vaginal cancer?
Vaginal cancer often doesn't have early symptoms. However, see your health care provider if you notice:
- Vaginal bleeding that is not your period
- A vaginal lump
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
- Pain while urinating (peeing)
- Constipation or blood in your stool (poop) or urine (pee)
How is vaginal cancer diagnosed?
To find out if you have vaginal cancer, your provider will use tests that examine the vagina and other organs in your pelvis. These tests may include:
- A pelvic exam. Your provider may also do a Pap test and/or an HPV test during your pelvic exam.
- Colposcopy, a procedure to examine your cervix, vagina, and vulva.
- Biopsy, a procedure to remove some cells so they can be checked for cancer.
What are the treatments for vaginal cancer?
Vaginal cancer can often be cured if it is found early. Treatments for vaginal cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy.
Can vaginal cancer be prevented?
Vaccines that protect against HPV infection may reduce your risk of vaginal cancer. The vaccines provide the most protection if you get them before you are exposed to HPV. So it's best to get vaccinated before you become sexually active.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
Next to it in ICD-10
- C47Cancer of the peripheral nerves
- C50Breast cancer
- C51Vulvar cancer
- C53Cervical cancer
- C54Uterine (endometrial) cancer
- C55Uterine cancer (part not specified)
Neighbouring codes in the classification, not a medical link.
External resources
Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for Vaginal cancer?
C52 (WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision).
What is the ICD-11 code for Vaginal cancer?
2C71.Z: Malignant neoplasms of vagina, unspecified (WHO, ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics).
Sources and attribution
- ICD-11 for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics, © World Health Organization, licensed under CC BY-ND 3.0 IGO.
- Names other than the official source titles: Anpheros translations and plain-language names, made with AI assistance and checked automatically; the source names are in English.
- Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- ICD-10 codes and titles © World Health Organization. Source: WHO, International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (2019).
Anpheros Search catalog 2026.10.5, published 17 October 2026. About the data →
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