What is Vaginal Cancer?

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that mostly starts in the cells lining the vagina. The vagina is the tube-like organ that connects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus, to the vulva, or the external genital area.

Cancers that start in other parts of your body, like cervical or uterine cancer, can spread to your vagina. It is less common for cancer to start in the vagina itself.

What types of vaginal cancer are there?

There are different types of vaginal cancer. They are named after the kind of cells in your vagina where the cancer starts.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of vaginal cancer. It begins in the flat cells that line the vagina, which are called squamous cells. This type accounts for nearly 90% of all cases of vaginal cancer.

Adenocarcinoma starts in the gland cells in your vagina. It is more common in people over 50. However, clear cell adenocarcinoma often affects people under 50 who were exposed to a drug called diethylstilbesterol (DES) before birth.

Melanoma starts in the cells that give your vagina its colour (melanocytes). Vaginal melanomas are extremely rare.

Sarcoma starts in the tissue and muscle that make up your vaginal wall. Like vaginal melanomas, vaginal sarcomas are very rare. There are different types of sarcoma. Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common type and usually happens in children. Leiomyosarcoma mostly happens in adults over 50.

Who gets vaginal cancer?

Your risk for vaginal cancer is higher if:

• If you are over 60, your risk of vaginal cancer goes up as you get older. Most people are diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type, around age 60. However, people younger than 60 can also get vaginal cancer.
• Having human papillomavirus (HPV) can raise your risk of both cervical and vaginal cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. The risk of infection increases if you have more than one sexual partner or if you have not received the HPV vaccine.
• You have been diagnosed with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, or VAIN: VAIN is a condition in which there are abnormal cells present in the lining of the vagina, but they are not cancer cells. VAIN becomes vaginal cancer in some people but not others. Researchers don't know why. You're more likely to get VAIN if you have HPV.
• You have cervical cancer or cervical dysplasia: It is possible to get vaginal cancer following cervical cancer treatment. Dysplasias in your cervix may heighten your risk of getting vaginal cancer.
• You have been exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES): DES is a man-made form of estrogen that doctors prescribed from 1940 to 1971 to help prevent problems during pregnancy. You are exposed if your parent who gave birth to you took DES during your mother's pregnancy.
• You smoke: Smoking can double your risk of getting vaginal cancer.

What are the symptoms of vaginal cancer?

Vaginal cancer does not always cause symptoms. You might not know you have it unless your doctor finds unusual cells during a regular check-up. This is why it is important to go for check-ups. Your doctor can find vaginal cancer even if you do not feel anything is wrong.

Symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding, unrelated to menstruation, after intercourse.
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause when you are no longer having periods.
• Watery, bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
• Painful intercourse.
• You notice a mass in your vagina.
• Aching or burning sensation while urinating or feeling a frequent urge to pee.
• Constipation or black-colored stools.
• Feeling like you need to poop even when your bowels are empty.
• Pelvic pain.

Even though 8 in 10 people who develop invasive vaginal cancer report one or more of these symptoms, it rarely represents a condition as serious as cancer. Yet if you ever develop these signs, see your doctor right away.

What causes vaginal cancer?

Researchers do not know what causes vaginal cancer. Still, like cervical cancer, there is probably a link between vaginal cancer and certain types of HPV. Research has shown that many people with vaginal cancer also test positive for the HPV types linked to cervical cancer.ells behave similarly to other cancer cells. Unlike normal cells that grow, multiply, and eventually die, cancer cells continue to grow uncontrollably. They multiply until they form tumors. Over time, these tumors can spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and invade healthy tissue.

What is the diagnosis for vaginal cancer?

Your healthcare provider will start your exam by asking about your symptoms. You will likely have several tests to check for cancer or precancerous cells. Your provider may also use imaging tests to see if the cancer has spread, which is called staging.

Testing

You will probably have a pelvic exam and a Pap smear, also called a Pap test. If your doctor finds unusual cells, you may need more tests, such as a colposcopy and a vaginal biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to confirm if you have cancer.

A pelvic exam means your doctor looks at your vulva and puts two fingers inside your vagina to feel for anything unusual. They use a tool called a speculum to open your vagina so they can see your vaginal canal and cervix better.

• Pap smear: Your doctor will use a tool shaped like a spatula and a brush to collect cells from your cervix while a tool called a speculum keeps your vagina open. A lab will test these cells for signs of cancer or HPV.
• Colposcopy: Your doctor uses a lighted instrument known as a colposcope to examine your vagina and cervix for any abnormal cells.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is often done during colposcopy, where a tissue sample is taken and sent to a lab to check for cancer cells.

Staging

Staging helps your doctor know how much cancer there is. Vaginal cancer can be staged in three ways: how far the cancer has spread inside your vagina, if it has spread to your lymph nodes, and if it has spread to other parts of your body. These three groups are called T (tumor), N (nodes), and M (spread).

Your doctor will stage your cancer using test results and imaging scans. Common methods include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. MRIs show the size of the tumor, and PET scans show if lymph nodes look unusual. Cystoscopy checks if cancer has spread to the bladder, while proctoscopy checks if it has spread to the small intestine or rectum using a small lighted tube with a camera.

How is vaginal cancer treated?

Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the type of cancer, how far it has spread, and your age. Your treatment may also depend on whether you want to have children.

Laser surgery and topical treatments are generally used to address precancerous cells. Invasive vaginal cancer often necessitates a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Patients may undergo various treatment options.

Surgery

Wide local excision: Your doctor removes the tumor and some normal tissue around it.

Vaginectomy (partial or radical): Your doctor may need to remove part or all of your vagina, depending on the size and location of your tumor. If the cancer has spread, your doctor might also suggest removing your lymph nodes, uterus, and cervix.

Pelvic exenteration: Organs in your pelvis, such as the rectum, bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, ovaries, and lymph nodes, are removed with surgery. A stoma or ostomy bag will be placed in your belly so you can pee and poop. This surgery might be used if the cancer comes back.

Radiation

Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy radiation, like X-rays, to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing.

A machine outside your body delivers beams of high-energy radiation at your tumor.

For internal radiation therapy, sealed wires or tubes with radioactive material are placed inside your vagina, either in or near the tumor.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. While it isn't effective on its own for vaginal cancer, it can be combined with radiation to boost results. It may also target tumors that initially respond but later reappear.

Clinical trials

Your doctor might suggest joining a clinical trial where new treatments for cancer are being tested. The American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute are good places to find current clinical trials for vaginal cancer.

How can I lower my chances of developing vaginal cancer?

You cannot avoid vaginal cancer, but you can reduce your risk.

• Get regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. Talk with your doctor about how often you should have yearly check-ups with your gynecologist.
• Get the HPV vaccine. Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against HPV. There are three FDA-approved vaccines: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. Do not smoke, as it raises your risk of all cancers, including vaginal cancer.

What is the prognosis for vaginal cancer?

The outlook for vaginal cancer depends on how early it is found. Early-stage vaginal cancers can often be treated successfully, and people can live full lives. Later-stage cancers are harder to treat and may need ongoing chemotherapy and other treatments. This is why it is important to have regular gynecological exams, even if you feel healthy. It is also important to see a doctor at the first sign of symptoms.

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Vaginal Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital offers advanced Vaginal Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India, at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced gynecologic oncologists and cancer specialists, known as some of the best doctors for women’s cancer care. We provide accurate diagnosis with advanced imaging and biopsy tests, personalized treatment including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy when required, and comprehensive supportive care. Our team has decades of experience in successfully treating Vaginal Cancer in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Vaginal Cancer treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

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