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Click Image to
EnlargeWhat is the vagina?
The vagina(colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope) is the passageway through
which fluid passes out of the body
during menstrual periods. It is also
called the "birth canal." The vagina
connects the cervix (the opening of
the womb, or uterus) and the vulva
(the external genitalia).
What is vaginal cancer?
Cancer of the vagina(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope), a rare kind of
cancer in women, is a disease in
which malignant cells are found in
the tissues of the vagina. According
to the American Cancer Society (ACS),
about 2,210 cases of vaginal cancer
will be diagnosed in the US in 2008.
There are several types of cancer of
the vagina. The two most common are:
●squamous
cell cancer (squamous carcinoma)
Squamous carcinoma is most often
found in women between the ages of
60 and 80, and accounts for 85-90
percent of all vaginal cancers.
●adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is more often found
in women older than 50 and accounts
for 5-10 percent of all vaginal(colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope)
cancers.
A rare form of cancer called clear
cell adenocarcinoma results from the
use of the drug DES
(diethylstilbestrol) given to
pregnant women between 1945 and 1970
to keep them from miscarrying.
Other types of vaginal cancer
include:
.malignant melanoma
.leiomyosarcoma
.rhabdomyosarcoma
What are risk factors for vaginal
cancer?
The following have been suggested as
risk factors for vaginal cancer(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope):
●age
Over two-thirds of women are 60 or
older when diagnosed.
●exposure
to diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a
fetus (mother took DES during
pregnancy)
●history
of cervical cancer
●history
of cervical precancerous conditions
●human
papillomavirus (HPV) infection
●vaginal
adenosis
●vaginal
irritation
●uterine
prolapse
●smoking
What are the symptoms of vaginal
cancer?
The following are the most common
symptoms of vaginal(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope) cancer. However,
each individual may experience
symptoms differently. Symptoms may
include:
●bleeding
or discharge not related to
menstrual periods
●difficult
or painful urination
●pain
during intercourse
●pain in
the pelvic area
constipation
●a mass
that can be felt
Even if a woman has had a
hysterectomy, she still has a chance
of developing vaginal(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope) cancer. The
symptoms of vaginal cancer may
resemble other conditions or medical
problems. Consult a physician for
diagnosis.
How is vaginal cancer diagnosed?
There are several tests used to
diagnose vaginal cancer, including:
●pelvic
examination of the vagina, and other
organs in the pelvis, checking for
tumors, lumps, or masses (i.e., may
include
colposcopy(a colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope))
●colposcopy
- a procedure that uses an
instrument with magnifying lenses,
called
a colposcope(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical
(Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope), to examine the
cervix for abnormalities. If
abnormal tissue is found, a biopsy
is usually performed (colposcopic
biopsy).
●Pap
test (also called Pap smear) -
test that involves microscopic
examination of cells collected from
the cervix, used to detect changes
that may be cancer or may lead to
cancer, and to show noncancerous
conditions, such as infection or
inflammation.
●computed
tomography scan (CT or CAT scan)
- a diagnostic imaging procedure
using a combination of x-rays and
●computer
technology to produce cross-sectional
images (often called slices), both
horizontally and vertically, of the
body. A CT scan shows detailed
images of any part of the body,
including the bones, muscles, fat,
and organs. CT scans are more
detailed than general x-rays.
●magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) - a
diagnostic procedure that uses a
combination of large magnets,
radiofrequencies, and a computer to
produce detailed images of organs
and structures within the body.
●positron
emission tomography (PET) scan -
radioactive-tagged glucose (sugar)
is injected into the bloodstream.
Tissues that use the glucose more
than normal tissues (such as tumors)
can be detected by a scanning
machine(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope). PET scans can be used to
find small tumors or to check if
treatment for a known tumor is
working.
●biopsy
- a procedure in which tissue
samples are removed from the vagina
for examination under a microscope(Gynecological
vaginal microscope,colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope);
to determine if cancer or other
abnormal cells are present. The
diagnosis of cancer is confirmed
only by a biopsy.
Treatment for vaginal cancer:
Specific treatment for vaginal(Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope)
cancer will be determined by your
physician based on:
●your
overall health and medical history
●extent of
the disease
●your
tolerance for specific medications,
procedures, or therapies
●expectations
for the course of the disease
●your
opinion or preference
Generally, there are three kinds of
treatment available for patients
with cancerous or precancerous
conditions of the vagina(colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope):
●surgery,
including:
laser surgery to remove the cancer,
including LEEP (loop electroexcision
procedure)
local excision to remove the cancer
(partial) vaginectomy(colposcope,Gynecological
(gynecology) surgical (Surgery,operating,Operation)
microscope,a colposcope)to remove the
vagina
●chemotherapy
(topical)
●radiation
therapy
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