Vaginal Cancer Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Vaginal cancer is a type of cancer that grows in the vagina and is rare. Cancer occurs when normal cells become abnormal and cancerous so they grow uncontrollably.
Broadly speaking, there are two types of vaginal cancer, namely primary vaginal cancer and secondary vaginal cancer. Primary vaginal cancer is cancer that originally appeared in the vagina. Meanwhile, secondary vaginal cancer is cancer that initially occurs in other parts of the body such as the cervix (mouth of the womb), uterus or ovaries (ovaries) which then spreads to the vagina. Of the two, secondary vaginal cancer was more common.
Early detection of vaginal cancer can help the patient’s healing process. In addition, the cure rate also depends on the age of the sufferer.
Symptoms
Signs of vaginal cancer are:
- abnormal bleeding from the vagina (bleeding between periods, after intercourse, after menopause)
- Abnormal discharge, such as bad-smelling or bloody discharge
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain when urinating (BAK)
- high BAK intensity
- blood in the urine
- pelvic pain
- vaginal lump or itching
Reason
The exact cause of vaginal cancer is still unknown. Some of the risk factors associated with vaginal cancer include:
- HPV infection (human papillomavirus), a sexually transmitted disease
- aged over 60 years
- a history of abnormal cells in the vagina or cervix that have the potential to be cancerous such as VIN ( vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia ) or CIN ( cervical intraepithelial neoplasia )
Diagnosis
Determining the diagnosis of vaginal cancer includes an interview with symptoms and a physical examination by a doctor. Blood tests are done to rule out the possibility of infection. Coloscopy examination which consists of a magnifying glass to examine the vagina in more detail.
A biopsy may be done to take a vaginal sample as well as be done to examine tissue in a laboratory. Other radiological examinations such as X-rays, MRI, and CT- scans may be done to check the stage of vaginal cancer.
Treatment
Treatment for vaginal cancer depends on the part of the vagina affected and the stage of the cancer. In general, vaginal cancer treatment includes:
- surgery to remove the cancer
- a combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy to kill malignant cells
Prevention
One way to prevent vaginal cancer is with the HPV vaccine so you can avoid HPV infection, which is a risk factor for vaginal cancer.