Vaginal Cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer, similar to cervical cancer.
There are two types of vaginal malignancies: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) and Adenocarcinoma. SCC typically occurs in older women aged 60-80, while adenocarcinoma is more common in younger women aged 12-30.
Although the cause is unknown, young women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy are at higher risk for vaginal adenocarcinoma. This drug was given to pregnant women between 1945-1970 to prevent miscarriages. Additionally, carriers of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are at increased risk of developing the disease.
Warning Signs
The following signs and symptoms may be related to this cancer or other health conditions. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Bleeding or discharge not related to the menstrual cycle
- Pain or bleeding during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Lump in the vagina
- Pain during urination
- Digestive problems
How Is Vaginal Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually follows suspicious symptoms (such as vaginal bleeding or discharge unrelated to menstruation, pain or difficulty urinating, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse) and involves a physical and gynecological examination, a Pap test, and a biopsy. Imaging of the pelvis and abdomen (ultrasound, CT, or PET-CT) is also performed, along with blood tests that include liver and kidney function tests.
Treatment for Vaginal Cancer
Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor and assess microscopic spread that is not visible to the naked eye, such as involvement of lymph nodes. Other possible surgeries include removing the entire vagina and cervix, the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, and lymph nodes.
In suitable cases, additional treatment after surgery may include external radiation, internal radiation (brachytherapy), and chemotherapy. Sometimes, chemotherapy is administered alongside radiation therapy, as certain types of chemotherapy enhance the effects of radiation. Chemotherapy drugs can also be directly inserted into the vagina.
We make every effort to provide evidence-based and reliable health information. We invest significant time and resources to ensure the information on our website is as accurate and up-to-date as possible, supported by scientific sources and aligned with current professional knowledge in relevant fields. However, the information in this website does not constitute medical advice or recommendations. We encourage anyone seeking personalized advice or recommendations on medical matters to consult directly with a licensed physician or a certified healthcare professional in the relevant field.
Navigation
Postal address:
Shmu’el Shnitser St 3, Tel Aviv 6958312
