Overview of Vaginal Cancer
The rare form of cancer arising in the vagina or birth canal of a woman is known as vaginal cancer. Primary vaginal cancer is when the initiation of cancer is in the vagina itself. Secondary vagina cancer is when there is metastasis from cancers of other organs in the vagina. If diagnosed earlier, there is good success rate of vaginal cancer.
Vagina or birth canal is a muscular tube connecting the outer side of the woman’s body to the uterus inside. It is lined by various cells, based on which, the type of vaginal cancer is described. Buy cancer medicines online at a low cost, from 3MEDS.
· Squamous cell carcinoma: the cancer arising in the flat cells lining the vagina. It is the commonest type of vaginal cancer. It has more predilection for women above 60 years of age. Metastasis to the other organs is reported.
· Adenocarcinoma: the cancer arising in the glandular cells lining the vagina. It is second most type of vaginal cancer. Metastasis to other organs is reported.
· Clear cell carcinoma: the variant of adenocarcinoma which is very rare. Those women whose mothers have been prescribed a hormone called diethylstilboestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriages are prone to develop this cancer.
· Melanoma: the cancer arising in the pigment producing cells of the vagina is called melanoma.
· Sarcoma: the cancer arising in the connective tissue of the vagina is called sarcoma.
What are the Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer?
Early stages of vaginal cancer do not produce any symptoms. Often, it may go unnoticed. If the cancer spreads to the deeper tissues of the vagina or to the adjacent areas, you may come across following symptoms.
Unusual vaginal bleeding is the common symptom reported in vaginal cancer. The affected women may encounter bleeding in between the menstruation, during or after sex, or after menopause.
Other symptoms include,
· Unusual vaginal discharge which can be serous or offensive smelling.
· Pelvic pain, more pronounced during sexual intercourse
· Pain, during sexual intercourse
· Pain encountered on urination
· Increased frequency of urination
· Sensation of lump or mass in the vagina
· Painful legs or back
· Oedema (swelling) of the legs
· Presence of fistula (opening) in later stages
These symptoms can be a manifestation of other disease as well, it need not be vaginal cancer. However, it’s better to consult doctor if you come across these symptoms. In general, women should consider screening on routine basis to detect any changes at the earliest.
What are the Causes of Vaginal Cancer?
The exact cause of vaginal cancer is not certain. Several possible causes are linked to vaginal cancer. The common cause is the gene mutation. When the normal cells of the vagina undergo mutagenic changes due to any external, or internal stimuli, cancerous cells start growing. This growth of cells is uncontrolled and begins to form large mass or lump which may interfere with the normal mechanism.
Other causes linked to vaginal cancer are,
· Older age usually above 60
· Women exposed to DES, a hormone used to prevent miscarriage
· Alcohol consumption
· History of cervical cancer or presence of precancerous lesions
· HIV infected individual
· Smoking rises the risk of vaginal cancer
· Presence of unusual cells in the vagina. These uncommon cells are called Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (VAIN).
· Infection with HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), a sexually transmitted disease, increases the risk of vaginal cancer.
How Vaginal Cancer is diagnosed?
The diagnosis of cancer is arrived based on physical examination and history. You may also need to undergo certain diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Your doctor will ask for the history of signs, and symptoms. You also have to provide information about the risk factors, history of previous cancers.
Examination of pelvis is done to detect the possible cause of symptoms.
Pap smear is a diagnostic test used to detect abnormal cells in the vagina.
Colposcopy is a procedure used to see the location of abnormal cells in the vagina with the help of colposcope. Biopsy is taken to determine the type of cancer.
MRI, CT scan, PET scan is advised to detect spread of cancer to adjacent tissues.
What are the Treatment Options for Vaginal Cancer?
Depending on the stage of cancer, the treatment protocol is decided by your oncologist.
There are 4 stages of vaginal cancer. Early stages have successful outlook than later stages.
The following are the treatments recommended for vaginal cancer;
· Surgery: hysterectomy is the surgical procedure which involves removal of cervix, and other organs.
· Radiotherapy: it is use of radiation to destroy the cancer cells.
· Chemotherapy: use of chemotherapeutic drugs to kill the cancer cells. Buy Affordable cancer medicines online Delhi.
Outlook
The prognosis of the vaginal cancer is determined by its stage. Those with stage 1 and 2 have 5 years survival rate than those with stage 3 and stage 4. The survival rates also depends on the age, overall health status, and the location of the cancer in the vagina. Follow precautions and get yourself screened routinely. Stay safe, and be positive. Buy medications from medical store online Delhi.