Vaginal Cancer – Vaginal Cancer
Description vaginal cancer
Vaginal cancer is a rare disease, in which cancer cells grow cells from vaginal tissue. The vagina is a tube, which connects the vulva (Outdoor female genital organs) the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). The vagina is also called “parturient canal”.
Cancer occurs, when the cells of the organism (In this case, the cells of the vagina) start uncontrollably share and form a mass of tissue, called tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, that can invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors do not spread to other organs.
There are several types of vaginal cancer:
- Ploskokletochnыy cancer – It occurs in the mucosa of the vagina;
- Adenocarcinoma – It occurs in the vagina, vystlanoy cells, the same cells of the cervix;
- A special type of this cancer, nazyvayemyi adenocarcinoma svyetloklyetochnaya, It occurs in women, were exposed to a drug called diethylstilbestrol (OF), while, when they were in the womb. This drug has been introduced into use in the late 1930s and is no longer used after 1971 year, so that the frequency of this type of adenocarcinoma, As expected, drop;
- Melanoma – usually affects the lower or outer part of the vagina;
- Sarkoma – Cancer occurs deep within the walls of the vagina, rather than on its surface.
Causes of vaginal cancer
The cause of stomach cancer is unknown. Studies show, that there are certain risk factors, Related Disease.
Risk factors for vaginal cancer
Factors, which increase the likelihood of developing cancer of the vagina:
- Age: 60 and older;
- Presence of the past cervical cancer;
- The presence of precancerous lesions of the cervix or vagina;
- Mother, who took diethylstilbestrol (OF) during pregnancy;
- Infection human papilloma virus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact (STD);
- Vaginal adenosis – cell, lining the vagina like cells of the cervix and uterus;
- Smoking.
The symptoms of vaginal cancer
These symptoms, except for vaginal cancer, They may be caused by other, less serious diseases. If you experience any of them, should see a doctor.
- Bleeding or discharge, Non-menstruating;
- Pain or difficulty with urination;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Pain in the pelvic area;
- Frequent constipation;
- Swelling of the vagina, fingers that probed.
Diagnosis of vaginal cancer
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may be directed to the doctor, who specializes in women's diseases (gynecologist). Diagnostic tests may include:
- Pap test – selection for analyzing tissue from the interior of the vagina, cervix;
- Colposcopy – an instrument with a light source at the end, by which the doctor examines the vagina and cervix;
- Biopsy – removing a sample of vaginal tissue for testing for the presence of cancer cells.
If cancer is detected, appointed additional tests, to determine, whether it has spread to other parts of the pelvis or the body. These tests may include:
- CT scan – X-ray views, wherein the computer is used, to make pictures of organs inside the body;
- MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of organs inside the body.
Treatment of vaginal cancer
After detecting vaginal cancer survey is conducted, allowing to determine the extent and scope of its distribution. The treatment method depends on the stage and extent of disease.
Methods of treatment include cancer of the vagina:
Radiation therapy for cancer of the vagina
Radiation therapy – The use of high doses of radiation, allowing you to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation, usually, directed at the tumor from a source outside the body. In some cases, the radioactive material may be temporarily placed near the tumor, the radiation is constantly affected the cancer cells. This procedure is called implantation and usually requires a short hospital stay. Other methods of treatment using radiotherapy applied outpatient.
Surgery for cancer of the vagina
The operation involves the surgical removal of cancerous tumors, surrounding tissue, and, perhaps, lymph nodes. Depending on, how much the cancer has spread outside the vagina, the doctor may remove the vagina, cervix, uterus, and sometimes the bladder, of the direct and / or the colon.
Chemotherapy for cancer of the vagina
Chemotherapy – the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Preparations for the chemotherapy may be given in various forms: Creams, tablets, intravenous injection. Besides creams, in which preparation applied directly to the vaginal wall, chemotherapy drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body, killing mainly cancer, and some healthy cells.
Prevention of cancer of the vagina
Mazok Papanicolaou It is an effective screening tool for cervical cancer, but it is not a reliable method of detecting vaginal cancer. Nonetheless, regular checkups at the gynecologist may reduce the risk of death from cancer of the vagina, allowing the doctor to detect it before. If you have been exposed to in the womb of diethylstilbestrol, tell your doctor, so that it can be more aware of the risk of developing cancer of the vagina and take appropriate action.
Exist HPV vaccine called Gardasil, which protects against the four types Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Since HPV associated with certain types of cancer, the vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer, vulva and vagina.
