1. Vaginal Cancer Statistics
Vaginal Cancer is a rare type of cancer that is most common in women over 60. It is also more common in women who have human papillomavirus virus, HPV, or women whose mothers took DES, diethylstilbestrol , while pregnant. The National Cancer Institute reports there are more than 2,000 new cases of vaginal cancer every year in the United States. It accounts for three percent of the total number of cancers that affect the female reproductive tract.
2. Learn to Read the Signs
Women who have vaginal cancer may display no signs or symptoms. Vaginal bleeding in postmenopausal woman is an indication of cancer and requires immediate treatment. Other signs may be vaginal discharge, painful intercourse and bleeding after intercourse. If a women experience any of these, they should see their health care provider as soon as possible. Vaginal cancer is diagnosed with a pelvic exam. When vaginal cancer is detected, the rectum and bladder are also examined. A PAP smear is done to check for cervical cancer.
3. Stages of Vaginal Cancer
Staging is done by your doctor to see how far your cancer has spread. T1 stage of vaginal cancer is when the cancer is only in the vagina. T2 is when the cancer has gone through the vaginal walls, but has not reached the pelvic wall. T3 is the growth of vaginal cancer into the pelvic wall ,and T4 is when the cancer is growing into the bladder or rectum. Other identifiers used when staging are "N" and "M." N1 is the spread of cancer into the lymph nodes in the groin or pelvis. M1 is when the cancer has spread into distant sites.
4. The Different Types of Vaginal Cancer
There are several different types of vaginal cancer. The most common is squamous cell carcinomas. This cancer grows in the lining of the vagina. Mothers who took DES during pregnancy often get diagnosed with squamous cell carcinomas. Melanomas and sarcomas account for a very small percentage of vaginal cancers. These are most often found when cancer has metastasized from other body organs.
5. Treatment Options Vary
Treatments for vaginal cancers depend on the stage. Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are all options. The treatment method depends largely on the spread of the cancer. Surgery options range from surgically removing the infected area to radical hysterectomy. Radiation therapy uses high energy rays to kill cancer and chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These therapies are used alone or in combination.
