Expert Vaginal Cancer Treatment & Surgery in West Delhi | Dr. Sarika Gupta

Hearing the words “you have vaginal cancer” can turn your world upside down. Because this cancer is uncommon, many women have questions they never expected to ask. What happens next? Will I need surgery? How much of my normal life can I get back?

The answers depend on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. That’s why choosing a surgeon who treats gynecological cancers every day matters.

If you’re considering vaginal cancer surgery in West Delhi, Dr. Sarika Gupta is a gynecologic oncologist with more than 21 years of experience treating cancers of the female reproductive system. Her goal is straightforward: remove the cancer safely while preserving normal anatomy and function whenever it is medically appropriate.

About Dr. Sarika Gupta

Dr. Sarika Gupta is the Director and Unit Head of Gynae Oncology at Action Cancer Hospital (Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute), Paschim Vihar, New Delhi.

Over the years, she has treated women with cervical, ovarian, uterine, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Before joining Action Cancer Hospital, she worked as Senior Consultant and Unit Head at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre and later as Senior Consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

She also completed advanced fellowship training in gynecologic oncology and robotic surgery at the Florida Cancer Institute in the United States and underwent surgical observership at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Her practice includes robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery, open cancer surgery and pelvic reconstruction when reconstruction is needed after tumor removal.

Symptoms that should not be ignored

Vaginal cancer often develops quietly, especially in its early stages. Some women notice symptoms only after the disease has progressed.

Common warning signs include:

• Bleeding after intercourse.
• Bleeding after menopause.
• Persistent watery, blood stained or foul smelling vaginal discharge.
• A lump or thickened area inside the vagina.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Ongoing pelvic pain.
• Pain while passing urine or repeated urinary infections.

These symptoms are not specific to vaginal cancer. Many non cancerous conditions can cause them too. Even so, they deserve medical evaluation rather than waiting to see if they go away.

When is surgery recommended?

For many women with early stage vaginal cancer, surgery is the main treatment because it removes the tumor before it spreads.

Surgery may also be advised for women with Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN) when other treatments have not worked, or as part of a broader treatment plan that also includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

No two patients receive exactly the same recommendation. Imaging scans, biopsy results, the location of the tumor and your general health all influence the decision.

Surgical options

The operation is chosen according to the size of the tumor, where it started and whether nearby tissues are involved.

A wide local excision removes a small tumor with a margin of healthy tissue.

A partial vaginectomy removes only the affected section of the vagina.

A radical vaginectomy removes the entire vagina and surrounding tissue when the disease is more extensive. In selected patients, reconstructive surgery can be performed as part of treatment.

If the cancer has spread toward the cervix or uterus, a radical hysterectomy with vaginectomy may be required.

Some patients also need pelvic lymph node dissection so the removed lymph nodes can be examined for cancer cells.

Robotic, laparoscopic or open surgery

Each surgical approach has a role.

Open surgery uses a larger incision and is still the best choice in some complex situations.

Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera, which usually helps patients recover sooner.

Robotic surgery offers the surgeon a magnified three dimensional view and instruments that allow very precise movements in the pelvis. For carefully selected patients, this may reduce blood loss, postoperative pain and recovery time. Whether robotic surgery is the right option depends on the stage of the cancer and the findings during evaluation.

Women from Paschim Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Janakpuri, Rohini, Pitampura, Peeragarhi and nearby parts of West Delhi often visit Action Cancer Hospital for assessment and treatment. The first step is always understanding the disease fully and choosing the treatment plan that fits the patient, not the other way around.

Robotic, laparoscopic, or open surgery: what’s the difference?

The way a surgeon reaches the cancer is an important part of the operation. The best approach depends on the stage of the disease, whether lymph nodes need to be removed, your medical condition, and what is safest for you.

Open surgery

Open surgery is done through a single incision in the abdomen. It is still the right choice for some patients, especially when the cancer is extensive or the operation is expected to be complex. Recovery usually takes longer than with minimally invasive surgery, and patients often spend more time in the hospital.

Laparoscopic surgery

Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and small instruments inserted through a few small cuts. Because the incisions are smaller, patients often have less pain after surgery and return to everyday activities sooner. In some advanced pelvic cancers, however, this approach can be technically difficult.

Robotic surgery

For selected patients, robotic surgery is another minimally invasive option. Dr. Sarika Gupta uses the Da Vinci surgical system to perform pelvic surgery and lymph node removal with a magnified 3D view and wristed instruments that allow precise movement in tight spaces. Smaller incisions can mean less blood loss and a smoother recovery for many patients, although not everyone is a candidate. Women from Rohini, Pitampura, Peeragarhi, Nangloi, and other parts of West Delhi often visit Action Cancer Hospital to discuss whether this approach is suitable for them.

Recovery after surgery

Recovery is different for every patient. It depends on the type of operation, your general health, and whether additional procedures were performed.

After a small local excision, many women go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. Light daily activities are often possible within one to two weeks.

Recovery takes longer after a radical vaginectomy or a more extensive robotic procedure. A hospital stay of a few days is common, and internal healing usually takes about six to eight weeks.

The weeks after surgery matter. Keeping the wound clean, getting enough rest, avoiding heavy lifting, and waiting until your surgeon says it is safe before resuming sexual activity all help the body heal properly.

Possible risks and complications

Like any major cancer operation, vaginal cancer surgery has potential risks. These may include:

• Infection at the surgical site or in the urinary tract
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Lymphedema, which is swelling in the legs after removal of multiple pelvic lymph nodes
• Changes in sexual function if part or all of the vagina has been removed

If these changes affect quality of life, reconstructive surgery or pelvic floor rehabilitation may be discussed as part of recovery.

Follow-up after surgery

Treatment does not end when the operation is over.

Most patients return for regular check-ups every three to four months during the first two years. If everything remains stable, the visits gradually become less frequent. Follow-up appointments may include a physical examination, a pelvic examination, and, when needed, imaging tests such as an MRI or PET-CT scan.

When is a second opinion worth considering?

Many women ask for a second opinion before deciding on cancer treatment. That is a normal part of the decision-making process.

You may find another opinion helpful if:

• You want to know whether robotic surgery is an option in your case.
• You have been advised to undergo a radical operation and want to understand reconstructive options.
• You would like your treatment plan reviewed by a gynecologic oncologist who regularly treats vaginal cancer.

Dr. Sarika Gupta also evaluates patients who have already received a diagnosis elsewhere and want another opinion before starting treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Can surgery alone cure vaginal cancer?

It can, especially when the cancer is found early and is limited to the vagina. If lymph nodes or nearby tissues are involved, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both may be recommended after surgery.

How does a vaginectomy affect sexual intercourse?

The answer depends on how much tissue is removed. Some women continue to have satisfactory sexual function after a partial vaginectomy. A radical vaginectomy has a greater effect. In suitable cases, reconstructive surgery may be possible, and these options should be discussed before treatment begins.

Is robotic surgery available for vaginal cancer?

Yes, but not for everyone. Whether robotic surgery is appropriate depends on the location and stage of the cancer, your anatomy, and your surgeon’s assessment.

How long will I stay in the hospital?

After a minor excision, some patients leave the hospital the next day. More extensive procedures, including radical vaginectomy, usually require a stay of three to five days, although recovery varies from person to person.

Can vaginal cancer spread quickly?

Most vaginal cancers develop slowly and may begin as precancerous changes called VAIN. Once the cancer becomes invasive, it can spread to nearby tissues and lymph nodes. That is why early diagnosis and timely treatment are so important.

Will I need radiation after surgery?

Your final pathology report provides the answer. If cancer cells are found near the edge of the removed tissue or in the lymph nodes, radiation therapy is often recommended to lower the risk of the cancer returning.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of vaginal cancer brings a lot of questions, and every patient’s situation is different. The treatment plan should be based on the stage of the disease, your overall health, and your personal priorities.

Dr. Sarika Gupta, Director and Unit Head of Gynae Oncology at Action Cancer Hospital, treats women with gynecologic cancers using open, laparoscopic, and robotic techniques when appropriate. If you have recently been diagnosed or want another opinion before making a decision, a consultation can help you understand the options available in your case.