Vaginal Cancer

VAGINAL CANCER

Vaginal cancer. This is an uncommon type of cancer that often affects the cells that line your vagina. Your vulva (genitals) and cervix  are connected by the vagina, an organ that resembles a tube. Sometimes, cancers that begin in other areas of your body, such as uterine or  cervical cancer, spread to your vagina. Unlike vaginal cancer, cancer is less likely to start in the vagina

VAGINAL CANCER

A rare kind of cancer, vaginal cancer typically develops in the lining of your  vagina. If you have hpv or are older than 60, you are more likely to get it. In order to diagnose vaginal cancer early, it is advisable to have regular pelvic exams and pap screenings because the disease does not always present with symptoms.

Types

The flat cells known as squamous cells that border your vagina are where squamous cell cancer starts. The most prevalent kind of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It makes up around 90% of all instances. Your vaginal gland cells are where adenocarcinoma starts. People over 50 are more likely to have it. The exception is clear cell adenocarcinoma, which frequently affects individuals under 50 who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol during fetal development.

Melanocytes, the cells that give your vagina its color, are where melanoma starts. Melanomas of the vagina are very uncommon.
Your vaginal wall’s muscle and connective tissue are where sarcoma starts. Vaginal sarcomas are as uncommon as vaginal melanomas.

Signs

Also, vaginal bleeding (not related to menstruation) following sexual activity; vaginal discharge that is watery, bloody, or odorous; pain during sexual activity; a noticeable mass in the vagina; painful urination or frequent urges to urinate; constipation or black-colored stools; or the urge to poop when your bowels are empty.

Causes

Although, Scientists are unsure of the exact cause of vaginal cancer. However, there is probably a connection between high-risk hpv strains and vaginal cancer, just like there is with cervical cancer. According to studies, a large number of patients with vaginal cancer have also tested positive for antibodies linked to the hpv strains that cause cervical cancer.

Diagnosis

Pelvic exam: Your doctor will visually examine your vulva and insert two fingers inside your vagina to feel for any abnormalities. They will also use a device called a speculum to widen your vagina so that your cervix and vaginal canal are easier to see. Pap smear: Your doctor will use a brush and a spatula-like tool to scrape cells from your cervix while holding your vagina open with a speculum. These cells will be tested in a lab for signs of HPV or cancer.

Biopsy: Colposcopy is frequently followed by a biopsy. A tissue sample will be taken by your provider and sent to a lab for cancer cell analysis.

Treatment

Occasionally, chemotherapy is used to treat tumors that go away with treatment but later return. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells; it is not an effective treatment for vaginal cancer on its own, but it can be used in conjunction with radiation to increase its effectiveness. Clinical trials Your doctor may advise you to participate in a clinical trial to try new cancer treatments that are being developed; the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are good places to find current clinical trials involving vaginal cancer treatments.

Summary

Having an open conversation with your healthcare physician regarding the type of vaginal cancer, whether it has spread, and your available treatment options is crucial if you are diagnosed with the disease. A number of variables will affect your prognosis. Your best bet for understanding what this diagnosis means to you is to speak with your provider.