Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the vagina.
The vagina is a tube that connects the vulva (external female genitals)
to the cervix (lower end of the uterus). The vagina is also called
the “birth canal.” There are two forms of vaginal cancer:
- squamous cell carcinoma—occurs in the lining of the vagina.
- adenocarcinoma—occurs in the area of the vagina lined
with cells similar to those in the cervix and uterus. A special
type of this cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma occurs in
women who were exposed to a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES)—now
banned—while in their mother’s womb.
The exact cause of vaginal cancer is unknown.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chances
of getting a disease or condition. The following factors increase
your chances of developing vaginal cancer:
- age: 60 and older
- history of cervical cancer
- history of precancerous conditions in the cervix or vagina
- having a mother who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant
- human papillomavirus infection (HPV) – a sexually transmitted
disease (STD)
- vaginal adenosis – when cells lining the vagina look like
those found in the cervix and uterus
- smoking
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due
to vaginal cancer. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious
health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Symptoms include:
- bleeding or discharge not related to menstrual periods
- pain or difficulty when urinating
- pain during intercourse
- pain in the pelvic area
- new or worsening constipation
- a mass in vagina that can be felt
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and
perform a physical exam, including a pelvic exam. You may be referred
to a doctor who specializes in women’s health (a gynaecologist).
Tests may include:
- Pap test – scraping and testing tissue from the inside of
the cervix and upper vagina
- colposcopy – using a lighted, magnifying instrument used
to examine the vagina and cervix in great detail
- biopsy – removal of a sample of vaginal tissue for testing
If cancer is found, additional tests are usually performed to determine
whether or not it has spread to other parts of the pelvis or elsewhere
in the body. Imaging studies, such as computed tomography and magnetic
resonance, are often used or this purpose.
Prevention
While a Pap smear is an effective screening tool for cervical cancer,
it cannot be relied upon to detect vaginal cancer. However, regular
gynaecologic examinations may reduce the mortality from vaginal
cancer by providing your physician with the opportunity to detect
it earlier rather than later. Moreover, informing your physician
that you may have been exposed to DES in the womb should induce
him or her to provide even closer surveillance.
Treatment a tUPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre
There are numerous approaches to vaginal cancer treatment, including
surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. The health care
and oncology professionals practicing at UPMC Whitfield Cancer
Centre specialize in radiotherapy, and will work with you, your
doctor, and other specialists to design the most effective radiation
treatment and recovery plans for your particular needs, including:
Vaginal Cancer In-Depth: Information from UPMC Cancer
Centers
UPMC
Cancer Centers, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is one
of the largest integrated community networks of cancer physicians
and health care specialists in the United States. Working with
the University
of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, the academic and research
partner, UPMC Cancer Centers strives to offer patients the
latest advances in cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis,
and innovative treatment. With the UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre,
UPMC is continuing to fulfill its mission to bring world-class
cancer treatment to patients right in their own communities.
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