Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal Cancer is an article that aims to give you all the information you do not know about vaginal cancer and more. We kindly shared the main headings with you;

One uncommon type of cancer that typically affects the cells lining your vagina is vaginal cancer. The vagina is an organ that resembles a tube that joins your vulva, or genitalia, to your cervix, or lower section of your uterus. Sometimes, cancers that originate in other body areas and spread to the vagina, such as uterine or cervical cancer, do so. As with vaginal cancer, it is less likely for cancer to start in the vagina.

Vaginal cancer is more likely to occur if:

• You are over sixty. As you age, your risk of developing vaginal cancer rises. The most prevalent type of carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, often manifests about 60 years of age. Vaginal cancer can occasionally strike people under the age of sixty.
• You have papillomavirus (HPV). The sexually transmitted virus HPV can raise your risk of both vaginal and cervical cancer. Being unprotected against HPV and having numerous sexual partners increases your chance of infection.
• You have VAIN, or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. Your vaginal lining contains cells that are abnormal but not cancerous if you have VAIN. In certain individuals, vaginal cancer develops from VAIN, but not in others.
• You’ve experienced cervical dysplasia or malignancy. Treatment for cervical cancer may result in the development of vaginal cancer. Cervical dysplasia, or abnormal cells in the cervix, may raise your risk of vaginal cancer. It has come into contact with diethylstilbestrol (DES). Between 1940 and 1971, doctors used DES, a synthetic version of estrogen, to avoid pregnancy-related problems. If your mother used DES when she was pregnant and you were exposed, your risk of acquiring adenocarcinoma is elevated.
• You smoke. Your chance of having vaginal cancer is doubled if you smoke.

Depending on the type and stage of the illness, vaginal cancer can present with different symptoms. It’s important to remember, though, that a lot of these symptoms can also be brought on by illnesses other than cancer. For a precise diagnosis, it’s critical to speak with a healthcare provider if you have any strange or persistent symptoms. The following are a few typical signs of vaginal cancer,

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Abnormal vaginal bleeding is one of the most prevalent signs of vaginal cancer. This can include bleeding during a sexual encounter, bleeding during menopause, or bleeding in between cycles.
• Unusual vaginal discharge: Vaginal discharge that is unusual in terms of color, consistency, odor, or quantity may indicate the presence of vaginal cancer. This discharge could smell bad, and be watery or bloody.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort: In later stages of vaginal cancer, when the tumor has grown larger or spread, persistent pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower abdomen, or during urination may be a sign of the disease.
• Pain during sexual activity: Dyspareunia, or pain or discomfort during sexual activity, can be experienced by some women with vaginal cancer. This condition can be brought on by the tumor or its impact on the surrounding tissues.
• Changes in vaginal appearance: Vaginal cancer may be indicated by a lump, growth, or mass felt in the vaginal area. Any changes in the vaginal tissues’ size, shape, or texture should be noted.

These symptoms can be brought on by infections or other illnesses in addition to vaginal cancer. To ensure a proper examination and diagnosis, seeking medical assistance as soon as possible is advised if any of these symptoms are worrisome or persistent. Routine gynecological screenings and check-ups can also facilitate early detection of any such problems.

Vaginal cancer comes in various forms. They carry the name of the vaginal cells that give rise to cancer.

• Squamous cell carcinoma: The flat cells called squamous cells that border your vagina are the starting point of squamous cell cancer. Vaginal cancer of the squamous cell carcinoma variety is the most prevalent kind. It represents around 90% of all instances.
• Adenocarcinoma: Your vaginal gland cells are where adenocarcinoma starts. The majority of those over 50 have it. The exception is clear cell adenocarcinoma, which typically affects individuals under 50 who were exposed to the chemical diethylstilbestrol (DES) during their uterine development.
• Melanoma: Melanocytes, the cells that give your vagina its color, are where melanoma starts. Melanomas of the vagina are very uncommon.
• Sarcoma: The muscle and connective tissue that comprise your vaginal wall is where sarcoma first appears. Vaginal sarcomas are as uncommon as vaginal melanomas. Sarcomas come in a variety of forms. The most prevalent type, rhabdomyosarcoma, primarily affects children. People over 50 are most commonly affected by leiomyosarcoma.

Before starting your evaluation, your healthcare provider will inquire about your symptoms. You’ll likely undergo several tests to look for precancerous cells or cancer. Your provider can use imaging treatments to stage your cancer, which determines if it has spread.

 

Testing

Diagnosis is made by conducting a pelvic exam and Pap smear (Pap test). You could require additional testing, such as a vaginal biopsy and a colposcopy if your doctor discovers suspicious cells. The only test that can confirm a cancer diagnosis is a biopsy.

• Pelvic exam: Your doctor will examine your vulva visually and feel for any anomalies by inserting two fingers within your vagina. To make it easier to see your cervix and vaginal canal, they will enlarge your vagina with a device known as a speculum.
• Pap smear: Your healthcare practitioner will use a brush and an instrument that resembles a spatula to scrape cells from your cervix while holding your vagina open with a speculum. These cells will be examined in a lab to check for HPV or cancerous growths.
• Colposcopy: During this process, your doctor looks for abnormal cells in your cervix and vagina using a lighted device called a colposcope.
• Biopsy: Colposcopies are frequently followed by a biopsy. Your healthcare practitioner will remove tissue, which will be examined for cancer cells in a lab.

 

Staging

Your physician can assess the stage of your cancer to ascertain its advanced state. Based on how far along the tumor has advanced in your vagina, whether it has moved to your lymph nodes, and whether it has spread to other regions of your body, vaginal cancer is staged in three different ways. The terms T (tumor), N (nodes), and M (metastasized or not) refer to these three groups.

Using information from the test results and techniques that allow them to view your body, your provider can stage your cancer.

• Imaging procedures: MRIs, PET/CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tomography (CT) scans are among the imaging techniques used to stage cancer. An MRI gives information on the size of a tumor. Abnormal lymph nodes can be seen using PET scans.
• Cystoscopy: A cystoscopy can reveal whether cancer has progressed to the bladder. For this surgery, a small illuminated tube with a camera is put into your bladder.
• Proctoscopy: A proctoscopy might reveal whether your cancer has progressed to your rectum or small intestine. For this treatment, a small illuminated tube with a camera is placed into your rectum.

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A group of medical specialists will decide on the best course of action and particular strategy. Based on each patient’s particular circumstances, a customized treatment plan will be developed to maximize effectiveness while reducing side effects and maintaining quality of life. To make well-informed decisions regarding their care, patients should have a full discussion about treatment alternatives with their healthcare team.

The type, stage, and age of vaginal cancer all influence the course of treatment. Your age-related course of therapy may also be influenced by your desire to become a parent. Precancerous cells are typically treated with topical medications and laser surgery. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery are frequently needed for invasive vaginal cancer. There are several possible treatments for you.

 

Surgery

• Wide local excision: The tumor and some of the surrounding healthy tissue are removed by your healthcare practitioner.
• Partial or radical vaginectomy: Depending on the location and size of the tumor, your doctor may remove all or a portion of your vagina. Your doctor may suggest removing your uterus and cervix (hysterectomy) as well as your lymph nodes (lymph node dissection), depending on how far the cancer has spread.
• Pelvic exenteration: This procedure involves the removal of several organs from the pelvis, including the ovaries, bladder, uterus, cervix, vagina, and the bottom portion of the colon (rectum), as well as adjacent lymph nodes. To allow you to urinate and defecate, your healthcare professional will create an incision in your abdomen known as an ostomy bag or stoma. If your cancer is returning, you might be a candidate for this kind of surgery. Radiation therapy employs focused energy beams, such as X-rays, to either kill or stop the growth of cancerous cells. External radiation therapy: High-energy radiation beams are directed at your tumor by equipment that is external to your body. Internal radiation therapy involves inserting radioactive material-containing sealed wires or catheters into or close to the tumor inside your vagina.

When selecting a country for cancer treatment, including vaginal cancer, there are several factors to take into account, including the standard of medical care, the availability of cutting-edge treatment options, the experience of medical experts, the cost of the treatment, ease of travel, and individual preferences. Turkey has gained popularity as a medical tourism destination because of several characteristics that may entice those undergoing cancer treatment to choose Turkey:

• High-quality healthcare infrastructure: Turkey has made considerable expenditures in its healthcare system, resulting in contemporary clinics and hospitals that are outfitted with cutting-edge equipment for cancer detection, treatment, and surgery.
• Skilled Healthcare Workers: The nation boasts several highly qualified and experienced medical workers, such as radiation therapists, surgeons, and oncologists, who provide high-quality care and follow worldwide guidelines.
• Advanced Cancer Treatment Choices: Turkish medical facilities frequently offer a variety of cutting-edge cancer treatment choices, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and targeted therapies. They might also take part in clinical studies and use cutting-edge methods of cancer treatment.
• Affordability: Medical care in Turkey may be more affordable than in certain Western nations, providing high-quality care at a comparatively cheaper cost. This may appeal to people looking for treatment options that are within their means.

If you have further questions Medical Center Turkey team is always happy to help you. Just click below to contact us.