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Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer. It is more common in women 60 and older. You are also more likely to get it if you have had a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection or if your mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) when she was pregnant. Doctors prescribed DES in the 1950's to prevent miscarriages. You are also at higher risk if you have had abnormal cells in the vagina, cervix, or uterus.

It often doesn't have early symptoms. However, see your doctor if you notice

  • Bleeding that is not your period
  • A vaginal lump
  • Pelvic pain

A Pap test can find abnormal cells that may be cancer. Vaginal cancer can often be cured in its early stages. Treatment might include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

NIH: National Cancer Institute

Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

The following features are indicative of Vaginal Cancer:
  • unusual vaginal bleeding
  • watery vaginal discharge
  • lump or mass in vagina
  • painful urination
  • frequent urination
  • constipation
  • pelvic pain
It is possible that Vaginal Cancer shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Vaginal Cancer

The following are the most common causes of Vaginal Cancer:
  • genetic mutations

Risk Factors for Vaginal Cancer

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Vaginal Cancer:
  • increasing age
  • vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia
  • exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
  • multiple sexual partners
  • early age at first intercourse
  • smoking
  • HIV infection

Prevention of Vaginal Cancer

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Vaginal Cancer. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • undergoing regular pelvic exams and Pap tests
  • receiving vaccination to prevent HPV infection
  • quit smoking

Occurrence of Vaginal Cancer

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Vaginal Cancer cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Rare between 10K - 50K cases

Common Age Group

Vaginal Cancer can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Vaginal Cancer most commonly occurs in the following gender:
  • Female

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Vaginal Cancer:
  • Pelvic exam: To screen vaginal cancer cells
  • Pap test: To screen vaginal cancer cells
  • Colposcopy: To magnify the surface of vagina to see any areas of abnormal cells
  • Vaginal tissue biopsy: To test for cancer cells

Doctor for Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Vaginal Cancer:
  • Oncologist

Complications of Vaginal Cancer if untreated

Yes, Vaginal Cancer causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Vaginal Cancer is left untreated:
  • cancer spread to other parts of body

Procedures for Treatment of Vaginal Cancer

The following procedures are used to treat Vaginal Cancer:
  • Surgery: To remove small tumors or lesions, vagina and pelvic organs
  • Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: To kill cancer cells

Self-care for Vaginal Cancer

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Vaginal Cancer:
  • Undergo regular pelvic exams and Pap tests: Helps early detection of vaginal cancer
  • Quit smoking: Helps decreasing the risk of vaginal cancer

Patient Support for Treatment of Vaginal Cancer

The following actions may help Vaginal Cancer patients:
  • Education: Helps making feel comfortable when it comes time to make decisions about treatment
  • Create a support network: Helps to share emotions about what patient is going through

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Vaginal Cancer.
Vaginal Diseases
Vulvar Cancer

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