Section Editor: Kianoosh Keyhanian MD FRCPC
May 22, 2026
The vagina is the muscular canal that connects the cervix and uterus to the outside of the body. Changes in the vagina are uncommon, and most are linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). When tissue is removed from the vagina, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the vagina. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the vagina
These diagnoses are cancers that develop in the vagina. Most are linked to long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), but some are not. The articles explain how each type is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma
HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of vaginal cancer. It is linked to long-lasting infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina.
HPV independent squamous cell carcinoma
HPV independent squamous cell carcinoma is an uncommon type of vaginal cancer that is not linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). This article explains how it is diagnosed and what your report describes.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions HPV independent squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina.
Precancerous changes
These diagnoses describe changes in the squamous cells of the vagina that are not cancer. They range from low-grade changes that often go away on their own to higher-grade changes that are treated to prevent cancer from developing. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
Low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or LSIL, is a mild change in the squamous cells of the vagina, usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). It often goes away on its own. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or LSIL of the vagina.
High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion
A high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, or HSIL, is a more advanced precancerous change in the squamous cells of the vagina. It is usually treated to prevent cancer from developing. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or HSIL of the vagina.
We are proud to partner with:
