Symptoms
How We Can Help You
When you have a rare cancer like vaginal cancer, it is best to work with doctors who have treated this uncommon condition before. At the Stanford Gynecologic Cancer Program, you have a dedicated team of experts who have experience treating vaginal cancer successfully and can recommend a personalized treatment approach. We will be with you at every step, supporting you through your treatment and beyond.
Care and treatment of vaginal cancer is provided by the Stanford Gynecologic Cancer Program in the internationally recognized Stanford Women’s Cancer Center.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR VAGINAL CANCER
- Nationally recognized expertise in treating every stage and subtype of vaginal cancer.
- Precise diagnosis options that combine advanced biopsy and imaging technologies with the expertise of pathologists and radiologists specially trained in vaginal cancer.
- Team-based treatment planning, including weekly meetings that bring together specialists from gynecologic oncology (who are trained in both surgical and medical oncology), radiation oncology, and other disciplines to tailor care to your needs.
- Advanced treatment options, including advanced radiation procedures and surgical techniques.
- Tumor genomic profiling services to target the genetic fingerprint of hard-to-treat cancers using precision therapies available only through clinical trials.
- Comprehensive support services, including care coordination, counseling, and nutrition services.
INTERESTED IN AN ONLINE SECOND OPINION?
The Stanford Medicine Online Second Opinion program offers you easy access to our world-class doctors. It’s all done remotely, and you don’t have to visit our hospital or one of our clinics for this service. You don’t even need to leave home!
Visit our online second opinion page to learn more.
Treatment for Vaginal Cancer
At the Stanford Women’s Cancer Center, you work with doctors who are passionate about women’s health. Our doctors are among a select group of oncologists who have extensive experience treating vaginal cancer. Targeted radiation treatments and advanced procedures complement this expertise.
Our patient-first approach means we work to understand your condition, its underlying cause, and your current health and day-to-day life. This helps us develop a treatment plan that is specific to you.
Early Stage
Recurrent or Metastatic Cancer
Treatment & Wellness Care
Because vaginal cancer is a rare cancer, it helps to have a team of experts who can work together to plan your treatment. The Stanford Gynecologic Cancer Program provides the highest level of personalized care, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your medical, physical, emotional, and social needs.
At weekly Tumor Board meetings, experts from multiple disciplines review cases that require more complex recommendations.
Radiation Therapy
Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced techniques to target optimal treatment doses to the vagina and limit the exposure of nearby healthy tissue. Radiation therapies include:
- Brachytherapy
- External Radiation (External Beam Therapy)
- Intraoperative radiation (IORT)
Medical Therapy
Stanford doctors and researchers are on the forefront of drug therapy development, working closely with other experts to deliver the right medication and doses for your care plan. Options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy and radiation —a treatment plan of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy given at the same time.
- Immunotherapy (Biologic Therapy)
- Targeted therapy (based on molecular testing of tumor)
Surgical Therapy
Our doctors use advanced minimally-invasive procedures when possible. Surgical therapies may include:
- Localized removal of the cancer
- (Partial) vaginectomy to remove the vagina
- Lymphadenectomy to evaluate lymph node involvement
- Pelvic exenteration (removal of pelvic organs)
Treatment & Wellness Care
When you are facing a rare cancer like vaginal cancer in an advanced stage, you want to know your doctors are doing everything possible to care for you, while respecting your quality of life and personal goals. At Stanford Health Care, our doctors have experience treating advanced, complex vaginal cancers with the most sophisticated therapies available. We start by working to understand your particular cancer and how treatment will affect your quality of life.
Among our advanced offerings, we are one of the few cancer programs on the West Coast to offer intraoperative radiation therapy during pelvic exenteration surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced techniques to target optimal treatment doses to the vagina and limit the exposure of nearby healthy tissue. Radiation therapies include:
- Brachytherapy
- External Radiation (External Beam Therapy)
- Intraoperative radiation (IORT)
Medical Therapy
Stanford doctors and researchers are on the forefront of drug therapy development, working closely with other experts to deliver the right medication and doses for your care plan. Options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy and radiation —a treatment plan of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy given at the same time.
- Immunotherapy (Biologic Therapy)
- Targeted therapy (based on molecular testing of tumor)
Surgical Therapy
Our doctors use advanced minimally-invasive procedures when possible. Surgical therapies may include:
- Localized removal of the cancer
- (Partial) vaginectomy to remove the vagina
- Lymphadenectomy to evaluate lymph node involvement
- Pelvic exenteration (removal of pelvic organs)
Clinical and Wellness Support
From eating healthfully to helping you manage your symptoms and treatment side effects, we personalize your treatment plan by matching our support services to your needs. Learn more about our comprehensive support
Our Gynecologic Cancer program is located in the Stanford Women's Cancer Center, a warm and welcoming facility dedicated solely to treating gynecologic and breast cancer.
Treatment & Wellness Care
Because vaginal cancer is a rare cancer, it helps to have a team of experts who can work together to plan your treatment. The Stanford Gynecologic Cancer Program provides the highest level of personalized care, working closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your medical, physical, emotional, and social needs.
At weekly Tumor Board meetings, experts from multiple disciplines review cases that require more complex recommendations.
Radiation Therapy
Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced techniques to target optimal treatment doses to the vagina and limit the exposure of nearby healthy tissue. Radiation therapies include:
- Brachytherapy
- External Radiation (External Beam Therapy)
- Intraoperative radiation (IORT)
Medical Therapy
Stanford doctors and researchers are on the forefront of drug therapy development, working closely with other experts to deliver the right medication and doses for your care plan. Options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy and radiation —a treatment plan of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy given at the same time.
- Immunotherapy (Biologic Therapy)
- Targeted therapy (based on molecular testing of tumor)
Surgical Therapy
Our doctors use advanced minimally-invasive procedures when possible. Surgical therapies may include:
- Localized removal of the cancer
- (Partial) vaginectomy to remove the vagina
- Lymphadenectomy to evaluate lymph node involvement
- Pelvic exenteration (removal of pelvic organs)
close Early Stage
Treatment & Wellness Care
When you are facing a rare cancer like vaginal cancer in an advanced stage, you want to know your doctors are doing everything possible to care for you, while respecting your quality of life and personal goals. At Stanford Health Care, our doctors have experience treating advanced, complex vaginal cancers with the most sophisticated therapies available. We start by working to understand your particular cancer and how treatment will affect your quality of life.
Among our advanced offerings, we are one of the few cancer programs on the West Coast to offer intraoperative radiation therapy during pelvic exenteration surgery.
Radiation Therapy
Our radiation oncologists use the most advanced techniques to target optimal treatment doses to the vagina and limit the exposure of nearby healthy tissue. Radiation therapies include:
- Brachytherapy
- External Radiation (External Beam Therapy)
- Intraoperative radiation (IORT)
Medical Therapy
Stanford doctors and researchers are on the forefront of drug therapy development, working closely with other experts to deliver the right medication and doses for your care plan. Options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Chemotherapy and radiation —a treatment plan of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy given at the same time.
- Immunotherapy (Biologic Therapy)
- Targeted therapy (based on molecular testing of tumor)
Surgical Therapy
Our doctors use advanced minimally-invasive procedures when possible. Surgical therapies may include:
- Localized removal of the cancer
- (Partial) vaginectomy to remove the vagina
- Lymphadenectomy to evaluate lymph node involvement
- Pelvic exenteration (removal of pelvic organs)
Clinical and Wellness Support
From eating healthfully to helping you manage your symptoms and treatment side effects, we personalize your treatment plan by matching our support services to your needs. Learn more about our comprehensive support
Our Gynecologic Cancer program is located in the Stanford Women's Cancer Center, a warm and welcoming facility dedicated solely to treating gynecologic and breast cancer.
close Recurrent or Metastatic Cancer
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, call 650-723-3931.
Frequently Asked Questions
When choosing a doctor, it’s important to consider the doctor’s clinical training, experience and expertise in a specialized area that matches your health care needs.
You can find the right Stanford doctor for you by using our doctor directory and filtering the results based on a medical category, specialty, or doctor’s last name. View a list of our gynecologic cancer doctors
Yes, Stanford Health Care offers financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care. Financial counselors are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about financial assistance services
We offer a number of support services to support your comfort and healing, including genetic counseling, interpreter services, support groups, wig bank, nurse navigators, nutrition services, pain management, fertility preservation, financial counseling, and a variety of classes and events.
To develop a personalized plan for supportive care, just call our Cancer Care Services. A trained Cancer Care Services nurse coordinator can help assess your needs and schedule the right combination of services for you and your family. Learn more about the Cancer Care Services
You can call the clinic directly to schedule an appointment with a Stanford Health Care doctor. Call 650-498-6000 to make an appointment.
We participate in a wide range of insurance plans. View the list of insurance plans accepted by Stanford Health Care
Have insurance or pre-authorization questions? The Patient Financial Clearance team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to answer your questions. Please call 650-724-4445 or 1-877-291-7335 (toll free).
Managing treatment for gynecologic cancer is a highly personalized process. Our care team guides you every step of the way.
For your first appointment, you should plan to bring any related test results and your medical history to share with your doctor. In addition to the following New Patient Appointment Letter, our clinic receptionists will confirm the information you should bring with you prior to your first appointment.
You will also need to have the following information with you when you check in:
- Insurance card
- A form of payment for any co-pays or deductibles
- One form of photo ID:
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
- Valid state-issued ID card
- Valid passport
- Valid U.S. Military ID card
- Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card
Most of our locations offer convenient self-parking options. For assistance getting to your appointment, the staff at Stanford Cancer Navigation Services are here to help. Please call 650-723-4268.
Please see Directions and Parking information for:
We recommend you allow enough time to park to ensure you arrive on time. Due to construction near the main hospital campus, please plan to arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to your appointment time at our Palo Alto location. This will allow you plenty of time to park, locate your clinic and complete any additional paperwork.
Please print, fill out, and return the Medical Record Release Form to your new patient coordinator. The medical release form is an authorization form for external facilities to release medical records to Stanford Health Care.
Always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can help ask questions, remember the information your care team gives you, and provide support.
By California state law, you must let your care team know that you would like to record your conversation if you would like help remembering your discussion with your care team.
Write down your questions before your appointment and rank them in order of importance, beginning with the most important ones. If there isn’t enough time to have all your questions answered during your appointment, ask your doctor who you can speak with to get your other questions answered.
Spanish interpreters are on the premises 24/7 for the Hospital and for the Emergency Department. Interpreters for other languages are on the premises during clinic business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday: American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian and Vietnamese. For more information, go to Interpreter Service
We offer a number of support services to support your comfort and healing before, during and after treatment, including genetic counseling, interpreter services, support groups, wig bank, nurse navigators, nutrition services, pain management, fertility preservation, financial counseling, and a variety of classes and events.
To develop a personalized support plan, just call our Cancer Care Services A trained Cancer Care Services nurse coordinator can help assess your needs and schedule the right combination of services for you and your family. Learn more about the Cancer Care Services
Please call our clinic receptionists who are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to help you reschedule or cancel your appointment: 650-498-6000
To determine if a clinical trial is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a research coordinator for more information on studies that may be right for your specific condition.
You can also find the guidelines for who can participate in a particular clinical trial online. However, it is best to work with your doctor to decide the right care approach for your needs.
View list of open, gynecologic cancer clinical trials at Stanford
You have multiple options when it comes to paying your bill.
- Pay Online:
- You can log in to MyHealth or the MyHealth mobile app to see and pay your bill.
Already have an account but need help logging in?
Contact the MyHealth Help Desk
- You can also pay as a guest to pay your bill without logging in.
- Pay by mail:
- Stanford Health Care
P.O. Box 740715, Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
- Stanford Health Care
- Pay by Phone:
- You can call our Patient Billing Customer Service Office
1-800-549-3720.
- You can call our Patient Billing Customer Service Office
For our latest business hours and for more information about billing, visit our Billing page.
Spanish interpreters are on the premises 24/7 for the Hospital and for the Emergency Department. Interpreters for other languages are on the premises during clinic business hours, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday: American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian and Vietnamese. For more information, go to Interpreter Service
Many of our programs are available to international patients.
Our International Medicine Services team can help you find the right doctor, estimate medical costs, book travel, and get you information about Stanford programs and services.
Please call +1 650-723-8561 or email IMS@stanfordheatlhcare.org to get started.