Primary vaginal cancer, commonly referred to as vaginal cancer, is a type of cancer that originates in the vagina. It is not to be confused with secondary vaginal cancer, which is cancer that has spread to the vagina from another part of the body.
WHAT IS VAGINAL CANCER?
Not all cases of vaginal cancer exhibit symptoms. It is possible that you will not be aware of it until your doctor visualise or detects abnormal cells during a regular screening. For this reason, it is critical to get regular checkups.
When symptoms show up, they consist of:
- lump in the vagina
- discomfort in the rectum or pelvis
- discomfort during or bleeding following a sexual encounter.
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is bloody but unrelated to the menstrual cycle
The following are some variables that may raise your risk of vaginal cancer:
- Smoking
- HPV, or human papillomavirus
- Past radiation treatment to the lower abdomen
- Previously diagnosed with cervical cancer
- Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN), a precancerous disease that frequently exhibits no signs
Symptoms
Not all cases of vaginal cancer exhibit symptoms. It is possible that you will not be aware of it until your doctor visualise or detects abnormal cells during a regular screening. For this reason, it is critical to get regular checkups.
When symptoms show up, they consist of:
- lump in the vagina
- discomfort in the rectum or pelvis
- discomfort during or bleeding following a sexual encounter.
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge that is bloody but unrelated to the menstrual cycle
Risk Factors
The following are some variables that may raise your risk of vaginal cancer:
- Smoking
- HPV, or human papillomavirus
- Past radiation treatment to the lower abdomen
- Previously diagnosed with cervical cancer
- Vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN), a precancerous disease that frequently exhibits no signs
Diagnosis
Pelvic examination
Your doctor will examine your vagina, groyne and pelvis as part of regular practice.
Vaginal Vault Smear
A cytological test performed on a sample taken from the vaginal vault, which is the uppermost part of the vaginal canal.
Colposcopy
During this process, your doctor looks for abnormal cells in your vagina using a lighted device called a colposcope.
Biopsy
Colposcopies are frequently followed by a biopsy. Your doctor will remove tissue, which will be examined for cancer cells in a lab.
Treatment
Treatment for vaginal cancer is determined by the type of cancer, stage, and age of the patient.
Surgery
It could be necessary to have an operation to remove the cancer. During surgery, the goal is to remove all the cancer and a margin, or portion of the surrounding healthy tissue. This lowers the possibility that the cancer may return.
Chemotherapy
Drugs are used in chemotherapy to either kill or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy damages or kills cancer cells using radiation.
Prevention
Vaginal cancer is not preventable; however, it is something you can lower your risk of.
- Get pap tests and pelvic exams on a regular basis. The frequency of routine gynaecologist checks should be discussed with your doctor.
- Vaccinate yourself against HPV. Consult your doctor about receiving an HPV vaccination.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking raises the risk of vaginal cancer as well as all other cancers.
Prognosis
The stage at which vaginal cancer is diagnosed determines your prognosis. It is frequently possible to treat early-stage vaginal cancers successfully and recover entirely, enabling you to live a full life.
Cancers in their later stages are more difficult to treat and may need radiotherapy or chemotherapy.
For this reason, even if you feel well, it is crucial to get gynaecological checks on a frequent basis. When symptoms appear, get medical help right away.
