Understanding Vaginal Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal Cancer is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina (birth canal). The vagina leads from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body. The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Another type of vaginal cancer is adenocarcinoma, cancer that begins in glandular cells in the lining of the vagina.
Vaginal cancer is not common. When found in early stages, it can often be cured.
There are two main types of vaginal cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. Squamous cell vaginal cancer spreads slowly and usually stays near the vagina, but may spread to the lungs and liver. Thisis the most common type of vaginal cancer. It is found most often in women aged 60 or older.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells. Glandular cells in the lining of the vagina make and release fluids such as mucus. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the lungs and lymph nodes. It is found most often in women aged 30 or younger.

BRIEF ABOUT THE PROCEDURE

Treatment options by stage

Stage 0 Vaginal Cancer (carcinoma in situ)

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Treatment of vaginal squamous cell carcinoma in situ may include the following:

Wide local excision, with or without a skin graft.
Partial or total vaginectomy, with or without a skin graft.
Topical chemotherapy.
Laser surgery.
Internal radiation therapy.

Stage I Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage I squamous cell vaginal cancer may include the following:

Internal radiation therapy, with or without external radiation therapy to lymph nodes or large tumors.
Wide local excision or vaginectomy with vaginal reconstruction. Radiation therapy may be given after the surgery.
Vaginectomy and lymphadenectomy, with or without vaginal reconstruction. Radiation therapy may be given after the surgery.

Treatment of stage I vaginal adenocarcinoma may include the following:

Vaginectomy, hysterectomy, and lymphadenectomy. This may be followed by vaginal reconstruction and/or radiation therapy.
Internal radiation therapy, with or without external radiation therapy to lymph nodes.
A combination of therapies that may include wide local excision with or without lymphadenectomy and internal radiation therapy.

Stage II Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage II vaginal cancer is the same for squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Treatment may include the following:

Both internal and external radiation therapy to the vagina, with or without external radiation therapy to lymph nodes.
Vaginectomy or pelvic exenteration, with or without radiation therapy.

Stage III Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage III vaginal cancer is the same for squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Treatment may include both internal and external radiation therapy, with or without surgery.

Stage IVA Vaginal Cancer

Treatment of stage IVA vaginal cancer is the same for squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Treatment may include both internal and external radiation therapy, with or without surgery.

Treatment of stage IVB vaginal cancer is the same for squamous cell cancer and adenocarcinoma. Treatment may include the following:

Radiation therapy as palliative therapy, to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Chemotherapy may also be given.
A clinical trial of chemotherapy and/or radiosensitizers.

The other Oncology Procedures are

HOSPITALS FOR TREATMENT OF VAGINAL CANCER

DESTINATIONS FOR TREATMENT OF VAGINAL CANCER

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