Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a type of cancer that develops from abnormal cell growth in the vagina. The vagina is a muscular tube connecting the uterus (the womb) to the outside of the body. Think of it as a passageway.

These abnormal cells multiply rapidly, potentially invading and damaging surrounding healthy tissues. This rapid growth can harm the body.

The vagina is part of a woman's reproductive system. It's the channel through which a baby travels during childbirth, which is why it's sometimes called the birth canal.

Vaginal cancer is uncommon. In most cases, cancer that affects the vagina actually starts elsewhere in the body and then spreads to the vagina.

If vaginal cancer is caught early, when it's only in the vagina, it's more likely to be cured. Once the cancer has spread beyond the vagina, treatment becomes significantly more challenging.

The female reproductive system includes the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina.

Vaginal cancer can sometimes develop without any noticeable signs at first. As the cancer progresses, some women may experience changes. These might include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding: This could be bleeding after menopause, after sex, or bleeding that doesn't seem connected to any other activity.
• Vaginal discharge: This could be different than a woman's usual discharge.
• A noticeable growth or lump in the vagina: This might be a noticeable bulge or a palpable mass.
• Painful urination: Discomfort or pain when urinating.
• Frequent urination: Needing to urinate more often than usual.
• Constipation: Difficulty having bowel movements.
• Pelvic pain: Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis.

It's important to note that not everyone with vaginal cancer will experience all of these symptoms, and some symptoms might be caused by other conditions. If you have any concerns about possible vaginal cancer, it's important to talk to your doctor.

If you're experiencing any health problems that keep coming back and are making you concerned, schedule a visit with your doctor or another healthcare provider.

Vaginal cancer is a disease where cells in the vagina grow out of control. It typically starts in the thin, flat cells that cover the vagina's surface. However, it can also begin in other types of cells within the vagina's deeper tissues.

Imagine a cell as a tiny factory with instructions (DNA) on how to operate. Healthy cells follow these instructions: grow and multiply at a specific rate, and die at a predetermined time. In vaginal cancer, the DNA instructions are changed, causing the cells to multiply uncontrollably and quickly. These "cancer cells" don't die when they should, leading to a buildup of extra cells.

These extra cells can form a lump called a tumor. This tumor can grow and invade surrounding healthy tissue. Over time, cancer cells can detach and travel to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.

The most common cause of these DNA changes that lead to vaginal cancer is a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus spread through sexual contact. For many, HPV goes away on its own without causing problems. But in some cases, HPV can cause changes in the cells that can eventually turn into cancer.

Different types of vaginal cancer affect different types of cells:

• Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type. It starts in the flat, thin cells (squamous cells) that line the surface of the vagina.

• Vaginal Adenocarcinoma: This is a less common type that begins in the special cells (glandular cells) on the vagina's surface. Historically, this type has been linked to a medication called diethylstilbestrol (DES) which was once used to prevent miscarriage.

• Vaginal Melanoma: This very rare type starts in the cells that produce color (melanocytes) in the body.

• Vaginal Sarcoma: This is also a rare type of vaginal cancer, starting in the supporting tissues or muscles of the vagina.

Understanding these different types helps doctors diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.

Vaginal cancer is more likely to develop in older adults. Age is a factor that increases the risk.

A common virus, called human papillomavirus (HPV), is often spread through sexual contact. HPV is linked to several types of cancer, including vaginal cancer. For many people, the HPV infection clears up naturally and doesn't cause any problems. However, in some cases, HPV can cause changes in the cells of the vagina, making vaginal cancer more likely.

Smoking cigarettes is another factor that can increase the risk of vaginal cancer. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can harm the body's cells, potentially leading to cancer.

If your mother took a medication called diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy, you might have a higher risk of vaginal cancer. DES was once used to try to prevent miscarriages. It's been linked to a certain type of vaginal cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma. It's important to understand that not everyone who took DES during pregnancy will develop this type of cancer, but it does increase the risk.

Vaginal cancer sometimes spreads to other parts of the body. This spread is common in the lungs, liver, and bones. When cancer moves in this way, it's known as metastatic cancer. This means the cancer cells have traveled from the original site (the vagina) and established new growths in other organs.

Vaginal cancer can't be completely prevented, but you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting it.

One important way to lower your risk is to get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. These checkups look for signs of cervical cancer, and sometimes vaginal cancer is detected during these screenings. Talk to your doctor about how often you should get these tests and which ones are best for you. These tests can help find problems early, which is important for successful treatment.

Getting a shot to prevent the human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can also help reduce your risk of vaginal cancer and other cancers linked to HPV. HPV is a common virus that can be spread through sexual contact. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine is a good choice for you. They can explain the benefits and any potential side effects.

Diagnosing vaginal cancer involves several steps to understand the extent of the disease. Doctors use different tests and procedures to look for signs of cancer and determine its stage, which helps create a treatment plan.

Initial Examinations:

• Colposcopy: A colposcope is a special magnifying instrument with a light. Doctors use it to closely examine the vagina's surface. This allows them to look for any unusual changes that might be cancerous. They can see tiny details that might be missed with the naked eye.
• Biopsy: A biopsy involves removing a small piece of vaginal tissue. This tissue sample is then sent to a lab to check for cancer cells under a microscope. Biopsies are often done during a colposcopy or a pelvic exam.

Pelvic Exam:

A pelvic exam is a routine check-up of the reproductive organs. If someone has symptoms possibly related to vaginal cancer, a pelvic exam might be necessary to look for any signs of abnormalities.

Determining the Extent of the Cancer (Staging):

Once vaginal cancer is suspected, doctors need to know how far the cancer has spread. This is called staging. The stage helps predict the chances of successful treatment.

• Imaging Tests: Different imaging techniques, like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans, can help doctors see inside the body and check for cancer spread. These tests create detailed images of the affected area and surrounding tissues.
• Internal Examinations with Tiny Cameras: Procedures using tiny cameras inserted into the body (like cystoscopy to view the bladder or proctoscopy to view the rectum) can help doctors see if the cancer has spread to nearby organs. These cameras provide a direct view of the areas where the cancer might have spread.

Understanding the Stages:

The results from all these tests help determine the cancer's stage, which ranges from 1 to 4. A lower stage (like stage 1) means the cancer is likely contained within the vagina itself. As the cancer progresses to a higher stage (like stage 4), it might have spread to nearby organs or other parts of the body. This information helps doctors create a personalized treatment plan tailored to the specific stage of the cancer.