Vaginal & Vulvar Cancer, from the CureRays guide library.

These uncommon gynecologic cancers are often linked to HPV and are very treatable when found early; radiation, sometimes with chemotherapy, can cure many cases while preserving function.

What it is.

Vaginal and vulvar cancers are uncommon gynecologic cancers that begin in the lower female genital tract — the vulva is the external genital area, and the vagina is the canal leading from it to the cervix. Most are squamous cell cancers that start in the skin-like lining, and many are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus involved in cervical cancer, which is why HPV vaccination and screening help prevent them. They often begin as a pre-cancerous change that can be found and treated before it becomes invasive. Warning signs include a lump, sore, itching, bleeding, or a change in the skin that doesn't heal, so reporting these to a doctor matters. When caught early these cancers are very treatable, and care is tailored to cure the cancer while preserving as much normal function and appearance as possible. Treatment combines surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy, chosen by a specialized gynecologic-oncology team.

How radiation treats it.

Radiation uses focused high-energy x-rays to damage the DNA of cancer cells so they stop dividing and the tumor shrinks. For vaginal and vulvar cancers, radiation is valuable both as a curative treatment and as a way to preserve function — sparing women extensive surgery to a sensitive area when possible. Treatment may be delivered from outside the body (external-beam radiation), precisely shaped to cover the tumor and at-risk lymph nodes while protecting the bladder, rectum, and healthy skin, or from a small source placed right at the tumor (brachytherapy), which concentrates a high dose exactly where it's needed. Radiation is frequently paired with low-dose chemotherapy, which makes the cancer cells more sensitive to it and improves cure rates. Treatments are painless and given over a series of sessions. Side effects depend on the area treated and are usually temporary, such as skin irritation, fatigue, or local soreness, and the care team takes specific steps to protect comfort and function.

The ways we can treat it.

External-beam radiation. Precisely shaped radiation from outside the body treats the tumor and, when needed, the lymph node areas in the groin and pelvis, using modern techniques that reduce dose to the bladder, bowel, and skin.

Brachytherapy. Radiation delivered from a source placed right at or near the tumor concentrates a high dose exactly where it's needed while sparing surrounding tissue — often used to boost the main tumor site, especially for vaginal cancer.

Chemoradiation. Radiation combined with low-dose chemotherapy treats larger tumors or involved lymph nodes, improving the chance of cure while often preserving the organ.

Questions we hear often.

Are these cancers related to HPV? Many are. The human papillomavirus causes a large share of vulvar and vaginal squamous cancers, the same virus involved in cervical cancer. That's why HPV vaccination helps prevent them and why screening can catch pre-cancerous changes early, before they become invasive.

Will treatment affect sexual function? Preserving function and quality of life is a central goal of modern treatment. Radiation can sometimes avoid extensive surgery to this sensitive area, and care teams use specific techniques and supportive measures to protect comfort and function. These concerns are important and appropriate to discuss openly with your team.

Can radiation cure these cancers without surgery? In many cases, yes. Radiation — often combined with chemotherapy — can cure vaginal and vulvar cancers and is sometimes chosen specifically to preserve the organ and avoid major surgery. The best approach depends on the tumor's size, location, and stage, which your gynecologic-oncology team will weigh with you.

This guide is informational only. It is not medical advice — please confirm anything here with your care team.