Vaginal cancer
The vagina, also called as the birth canal is a 6-10 cm long tube that is located in between the cervix and the opening of the vulva. It is lined by squamous cells' layer called epithelium. The vaginal wall below the squamous cell layer is made up of lymph vessels, connective tissue, muscle tissue and nerves. The presence of glands near the vagina enable secretion of mucus to keep the inner linings of the vaginal moist. Depending upon various cell characteristics, vaginal cancers are divided into many types.
Types of cancers of the vaginal
Squamous cell carcinoma : Around 70% of vaginal cancer cases are a result of squamous cell carcinomas. These carcinomas are developed in the inner linings of the vagina covered by epithelial cells and are more common in the upper section of the vagina, that is, near the cervix. Usually the development happens in two stages and first, the cells develop into a pre-cancerous condition. Such a condition is referred to as VAIN – vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. Further, 3 kinds of VAIN are described:
Types of cancers of the vaginal
Squamous cell carcinoma : Around 70% of vaginal cancer cases are a result of squamous cell carcinomas. These carcinomas are developed in the inner linings of the vagina covered by epithelial cells and are more common in the upper section of the vagina, that is, near the cervix. Usually the development happens in two stages and first, the cells develop into a pre-cancerous condition. Such a condition is referred to as VAIN – vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. Further, 3 kinds of VAIN are described:
- VAIN 1 (Early)
- VAIN 2 (Intermediate)
- VAIN 3 (Furthest)
Adenocarcinoma : Adenocarcinomas are cancers which begin in vaginal glands and account for about 15 % of total vaginal cancers. This type of carcinomas usually develop in women older than 50.
Melanoma : Melanomas develop from skin cells responsible for providing color to the skin and usually affects the lower or outer portions of the vagina.
Sarcoma : Sarcomas develop in cells of connective tissues, muscles and bones and account for about 4% of total vaginal carcinomas. These cancers are detected deep in the vaginal wall instead of the surface. There are many types of sarcomas out of which leiomyosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma are the most common.
Symptoms of vaginal cancer
Some signs pointing towards vaginal cancer can be :
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge.
- Lump or mass in the inner vaginal region.
- Extreme pain during intercourse.
- Extended pelvis pain.
- Constipation.
- Pain during urination.
Diagnosis of vaginal cancer
Diagnosis of vaginal cancers generally involve some of the following procedures :
Colposcopy
The method of using a colposcope to observe the presence or development of carcinomas in the vagina is called vaginoscopy. The colposcope enables the doctor to see the vaginal walls and the surface of the cervix clearly.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests for the diagnosis of vaginal carcinomas generally use X-rays, sound waves or magnetic field concepts to generate images of the inside of our body. Imaging tests include PET (positron emission tomography) scan, CT (computed tomography) scan and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. Imaging tests may be done for a number of reasons, like to locate the cancer affected area or to know the extent to which the cancer has spread.
Biopsy procedures
Even at times when imaging tests and symptoms suggest the presence of a vaginal cancer, surgeons need to look at the carcinoma tissues under the microscope first to feel certain. In cases of vaginal carcinomas, doctors usually remove the entire tissue rather than performing a biopsy.
Proctosigmoidoscopy and cystoscopy
Although proctosigmoidoscopy and cystoscopy are not used often, they can still be useful to have a closer looks at the cancer tissues.
Vaginal and Vulvar Cancers
The good news is that vaginal and vulvar cancers are very rare and are unusual in younger women. It tends to manifest itself on the vulva area as a sore or lump and causes itching.
Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase the risk of these types of cancers in women.
It was reported by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) that vaginal and vulvar cancers only affect six to seven percent of all U.S. gynecologic cancer diagnosis and the treatment is extremely effective if discovered early on.
A woman's vulva is the outer part of the female genital area and consists of the labia (two folds of skin). Vulvar cancer usually begins on the inner area of the labia. What's comforting is that an early detection can mean a quick cure and recovery.
Signs of Vulvar Cancer
You can help yourself here, and some of the signs of vulvar cancer to watch for include:
" Ulcers, sores or lumps on the vulva.
" Bleeding, burning or itching on the vulva.
" Pain in the pelvic area during sex or when you urinate.
" Rash, warts or any skin changes on the vulva.
" Skin color changes such as redness or extremely white.
Signs of Vaginal Cancer
Cancer which begins in the vaginal area is naturally called vaginal cancer. The vagina (birth canal) is the area which appears as a long, hollow tube which begins at the bottom of the uterus and travels to the outside of the body.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of vaginal cancer in the early stages, but later the following signs may appear:
" Constipation - Any change in bathroom habits such as constipation, going more often than normal, blood in the urine or stool.
" Vaginal discharge - Any abnormal showing of blood or vaginal discharge of any type that isn't normal.
" Pelvic pain - Pain in the area below the stomach and between the hip bones when you urinate or have sexual intercourse could be a sign.
The best advice for women to catch vaginal and vulvar cancer early on is to get to know your body and what's normal for you. Any unusual changes such as vaginal bleeding which isn't normal should be checked by your doctor right away.
Precautionary Steps to Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself from contracting vaginal and vulvar cancers by taking steps to prevent catching the (human papillomavirus) since nearly all cervical and other gynecologic cancers are caused by this virus.
The HPV vaccine is available and recommended for girls and boys who are age 11 to 12 years old. It's usually given as a series of two or three shots. Even if you've had the HPV vaccine, you should have periodic screenings and Pap smear testing to check for these types of cancers.
While you're there visiting your doctor, you can always ask about your breast health too!
Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase the risk of these types of cancers in women.
It was reported by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) that vaginal and vulvar cancers only affect six to seven percent of all U.S. gynecologic cancer diagnosis and the treatment is extremely effective if discovered early on.
A woman's vulva is the outer part of the female genital area and consists of the labia (two folds of skin). Vulvar cancer usually begins on the inner area of the labia. What's comforting is that an early detection can mean a quick cure and recovery.
Signs of Vulvar Cancer
You can help yourself here, and some of the signs of vulvar cancer to watch for include:
" Ulcers, sores or lumps on the vulva.
" Bleeding, burning or itching on the vulva.
" Pain in the pelvic area during sex or when you urinate.
" Rash, warts or any skin changes on the vulva.
" Skin color changes such as redness or extremely white.
Signs of Vaginal Cancer
Cancer which begins in the vaginal area is naturally called vaginal cancer. The vagina (birth canal) is the area which appears as a long, hollow tube which begins at the bottom of the uterus and travels to the outside of the body.
Sometimes there are no symptoms of vaginal cancer in the early stages, but later the following signs may appear:
" Constipation - Any change in bathroom habits such as constipation, going more often than normal, blood in the urine or stool.
" Vaginal discharge - Any abnormal showing of blood or vaginal discharge of any type that isn't normal.
" Pelvic pain - Pain in the area below the stomach and between the hip bones when you urinate or have sexual intercourse could be a sign.
The best advice for women to catch vaginal and vulvar cancer early on is to get to know your body and what's normal for you. Any unusual changes such as vaginal bleeding which isn't normal should be checked by your doctor right away.
Precautionary Steps to Protect Yourself
You can protect yourself from contracting vaginal and vulvar cancers by taking steps to prevent catching the (human papillomavirus) since nearly all cervical and other gynecologic cancers are caused by this virus.
The HPV vaccine is available and recommended for girls and boys who are age 11 to 12 years old. It's usually given as a series of two or three shots. Even if you've had the HPV vaccine, you should have periodic screenings and Pap smear testing to check for these types of cancers.
While you're there visiting your doctor, you can always ask about your breast health too!