The vagina is a complex organ lined by a layer of squamous cells, which are formed from epithelial or skin cells. Underneath these epithelial cells lies the vaginal wall, which contains connective tissues, muscle tissue, lymph vessels and nerves. Any number of small changes to the vaginal environment may trigger the disease process. Vaginal diseases are rare, and many symptoms are subtle. A physician will commonly need to do a thorough screening to determine if a vaginal disease is present.
Vaginal Cancer
Cancer of the vagina is rare. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 70 percent of vaginal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, a type of skin cancer. Squamous cell cancers of the vagina most often move slowly, taking years to develop. Symptoms of vaginal cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding, watery vaginal discharge, lumps or masses in the vagina, painful urination, constipation and pelvic pain. Physicians treat vaginal cancer by eliminating small tumors or lesions, removing part of or the entire vagina or performing external radiation and chemotherapy.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted disease, affecting nearly 4 million people in the United States, according to MayoClinic.com. Chlamydia is caused by the bacteria chlamydia trachomatis. Symptoms of chlamydia can include lower abdominal pain, painful urination, abnormal vaginal discharge and pain during sexual intercourse. Physicians commonly treat chlamydia with prescription antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin or erythromycin.
Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is a rare cancer that occurs on the outer surface of a woman’s genitalia. Like vaginal cancers, the majority of vulvar cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that develop slowly over a number of years. Symptoms of vulvar cancer include itching that doesn’t go away, burning, pain and tenderness, bleeding that isn’t from menstruation, a lump or wart-like bumps that won’t go away or changes in the skin’s color. Physicians commonly treat vulvar cancer with laser surgery, surgical excision of the tumors or lesions, removal of the top layer of skin from the vulva, chemotherapy and radiation.
Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a parasitic infection caused by trichomonas vaginalis. Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted disease, with an estimated 7.4 million new cases every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of trichomoniasis include frothy green discharge with a strong odor, discomfort during intercourse and urination as well as irritation and itching of the female genital area. Patients will usually notice symptoms five to 28 days after exposure. Treatment for trichomoniasis most often includes antiparasitic drugs.
