Basic Information About Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers

When cancer starts in the vagina, it is called vaginal cancer. The vagina, also called the birth canal, is the hollow, tube-like channel between the bottom of the uterus and the outside of the body.

When cancer forms in the vulva, it is vulvar cancer. The vulva is the outer part of the female genital organs. It has two folds of skin, called the labia. Vulvar cancer most often occurs on the inner edges of the labia.

Learn about—

• The signs and symptoms of vaginal and vulvar cancers.
• Things that can increase your risk of vaginal and vulvar cancers.
• How to lower your risk of getting vaginal and vulvar cancers.
• How to tell if you might have vaginal or vulvar cancer.