Vaginal cancer is a rare but serious type of cancer originating from the tissues of the vagina. Unlike other cancers of the reproductive system, it is necessary to be aware that early detection makes a great difference in treatment. Due to the nature of their symptoms, many women simply do not report them, thinking of minor infections or hormonal changes. Therefore, vaginal cancer symptoms often go unnoticed until they progress and become life-threatening. Learning about the signs and causes, along with treatment options, is therefore critical.
Various risk factors predispose many women to vaginal cancer. Awareness of risk factors is often the beginning of early diagnosis.
The most significant cause of vaginal cancer is the Human Papillomavirus. Persistent high-risk type strains of the virus can cause cell abnormalities, which, over time, can develop into cancer.
Tobacco causes weakness in vaginal tissues and reduces the body's resistance to cellular damage caused by HPV. It interferes with immune functions and increases cancer risks.
Vaginal cancer most often affects women older than age 60. Having had cervical cancer, radiation therapy to the pelvic area, or a precancerous lesion detected increases a woman's risk for vaginal cancer later in her life.
Risk factors include women who are immunocompromised, such as those with HIV, autoimmune disorders, or long-term steroid use. It might also be due to chronic irritation of the vaginal lining.
Spotting early vaginal cancer symptoms makes the treatment more effective. Common symptoms of this disease include:
This may be after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause. Other signs include persistent watery or foul-smelling discharge.
Lower abdominal pain, painful sexual intercourse, or persistent pelvic pressure may be symptoms of abnormal tissue growth.
It can cause discomfort and burning, especially when passing urine or stool from the rectum.
Some symptoms can be a lump or mass inside the vagina. A tumour in vagina may feel like a firm and irregular growth; in advanced stages, a tumour may be visible by self-examination or gynaecological checkups.
Knowledge of vaginal cancer symptoms enables women to know when to seek medical attention.
This is the most common type. It develops in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina and usually grows slowly.
This type begins in the glandular cells of the vagina. It is less common, yet the risk of its dissemination is higher.
The type of therapy applied to vaginal cancer will depend on the subtype as well as the stage.
Although there is no routine screening test for vaginal cancer, several diagnostic tools can identify the condition early:
Abnormalities of the vagina and cervix are looked for during a pelvic exam. In some cases, a Pap test can show abnormal cells, which may mean vaginal precancerous changes.
A small tissue sample is taken if a suspicious lesion is seen to confirm whether it is cancerous.
Tests such as MRI, CT scans, and PET scans are performed to ascertain the cancer’s stage and whether it has spread.
Treatment depends on the stages, types, and general condition of the patient, depending on the cause.
Small, early-stage tumours may be surgically removed. When the cancer is more advanced, treatment may involve the partial or complete removal of the vagina.
The most common treatment for vaginal cancer is radiation, sometimes given alone, but more often after surgery. Internal radiation (brachytherapy) is sometimes used for deeper tissues.
For advanced or recurrent cancer, chemotherapy may be used alone or combined with radiation.
These options are increasingly used in late-stage or treatment-resistant cases.
Early diagnosis of vaginal cancer offers a far better prognosis.
Cloudnine provides state-of-the-art gynaecologic care supported by expert oncologists, modern diagnostic facilities, and personalised treatment planning. From early diagnosis to surgical and non-surgical treatment, Cloudnine ensures precision, comfort, and continuous care. Their multidisciplinary team collaborates to provide safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care to women suffering from symptoms or diagnosed conditions related to vaginal cancer.
Vaginal cancer is a condition that demands awareness and timely clinical review. Understanding its causes, early symptoms, and modes of treatment greatly improves outcomes. Knowledge regarding vaginal cancer and what does vaginal cancer look like aids women in safeguarding their reproductive health. In case of unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, discharge, or a lump felt in the vagina, promptly contact a gynaecologic oncologist as soon as possible.
Stage I cancer of the vagina is confined to the vaginal wall and does not extend beyond.
It may appear as a lump, ulcer, raised lesion, or discoloured patch inside the vagina.
Irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, unusual discharge, painful urination, and vaginal lumps.
There is no particular behavioural pattern. Emotional and physical changes vary according to the symptoms, diagnosis, and condition of the patient.
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