Primary vaginal cancer is rare, closely related to cervical cancer, and often first appears as abnormal bleeding. Dr. Dipanwita Banerjee offers careful diagnosis and coordinates surgery and radiation treatment for women with this condition at CNCI, Kolkata.
Whatever stage you are at — abnormal bleeding you haven't had checked, a history of cervical cancer that puts you at higher risk, a confirmed diagnosis, or follow-up after treatment — find your situation below to see how Dr. Banerjee approaches it.
Primary vaginal cancer — cancer that starts in the vagina itself, rather than spreading there from the cervix or elsewhere — is one of the rarer gynaecological cancers. Like cervical cancer, it is most often driven by persistent HPV infection, and women with a prior history of cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia carry a higher risk.
Dr. Banerjee's practice covers the full pathway for vaginal cancer: careful diagnosis, ongoing surveillance for women at elevated risk, staging and surgical treatment for confirmed disease, and close coordination with radiation and medical oncology, given the vagina's proximity to the bladder and rectum.
Because primary vaginal cancer is rare and there is no dedicated screening test for it, women usually arrive at this page from one of a few very different starting points. Dr. Banerjee's approach is shaped around wherever that starting point is.
Vaginal cancer most often first appears as abnormal bleeding rather than being caught on routine screening, which is why any unexpected bleeding — especially after menopause — deserves a prompt, direct look.
A focused pelvic examination to assess abnormal bleeding, watery discharge, a palpable mass, or pelvic pain.
Biopsy of any suspicious area within the vagina to confirm the diagnosis, since imaging and examination alone cannot distinguish cancer from benign causes.
Careful assessment to confirm whether a tumour is truly primary vaginal cancer, or spread from the cervix or another site, since this changes the treatment approach.
A past diagnosis of cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is not a vaginal cancer diagnosis — but it does raise long-term risk, which is why continued follow-up matters well beyond the original treatment.
Structured, ongoing surveillance for women previously treated for cervical cancer or CIN, given their elevated risk of vaginal cancer.
Evaluation of persistent HPV infection as a shared risk factor between cervical and vaginal cancer, alongside routine gynaecological review.
Assessment of any vaginal abnormality noticed incidentally during a Pap smear or pelvic examination, even without symptoms.
Because the vagina sits close to the bladder and rectum, treatment planning for confirmed vaginal cancer draws heavily on coordination between surgery, radiation and medical oncology.
For early-stage, localised disease, surgical treatment including partial or radical vaginectomy, sometimes alongside radical hysterectomy where appropriate.
For many vaginal cancers, particularly more advanced disease, radiation therapy — often combined with chemotherapy — is the primary treatment, coordinated closely with radiation oncology colleagues.
Staging includes assessment of pelvic and, where relevant, groin lymph nodes to guide the overall treatment plan.
Where treatment affects vaginal anatomy, reconstructive planning and structured follow-up continue well beyond the end of active treatment.
Where surgical treatment affects vaginal anatomy, reconstructive techniques are used to preserve function wherever possible.
Fellowship-trained at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Centre, New York, in minimally invasive robotic techniques used where appropriate to reduce surgical trauma and recovery time.
A defined follow-up schedule after treatment to check for recurrence early, alongside continued monitoring for women with a cervical cancer history.
Persistent HPV infection is the leading risk factor for vaginal cancer, mirroring cervical cancer. A prior history of cervical cancer or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) also increases risk, which is why ongoing follow-up after cervical cancer treatment matters.
Other contributing factors include increasing age and, historically, in-utero exposure to certain medications no longer in use. Vaccination against HPV and regular cervical screening indirectly reduce vaginal cancer risk as well.
"Committed to bringing the highest standard of gynaecological cancer care — with science, skill, and deep compassion — to every patient who trusts me with their care."