The vagina 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, is a rare kind of cancer in women. In vaginal cancer, cancer (malignant) cells are found in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina is the passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods and through which a woman has babies. The vagina is also called the "birth canal." The vagina connects the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus ) and the vulva (the folds of skin around the opening to the vagina).

Types of Vaginal cancer

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Adenocarcinoma

Squamous Cell Carcinoma - This is the most common type of vaginal cancer in which vagina arises from the lining squamous cells and accounts for 85 percent of cases. This type of cancer is usually found in older women (aged 60 to 80 years).

Adenocarcinoma - It is the type of the cancer in which vagina arises from glands and accounts for 10 percent of vaginal cancer in the U.S.A. This type of cancer is found in women (aged 12 to 30).

Causes of Vaginal cancer

The exact cause of vaginal cancer is unknown but some causes are :

Vaginal cancer varies in severity according to its location and effect on lymphatic drainage.
Women who have had genital warts caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) , have a slightly higher risk of developing vaginal cancer
Hormone drug called diethystilboestrol (DES) has been identified as a cause of a particular type of adenocarcinoma of the vagina.
Stretching of the pelvic ligaments may cause the uterus to sag into the vagina or even extend outside the vagina
One clue is that women with vaginal cancer have a high chance of developing lung cancer, and lung cancer is very closely related to smoking.

Sings and Symptoms of Vaginal cancer

Some the symptoms of the vaginal cancer are:-

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

Diagnosis of Vaginal cancer

We can diagnose the vaginal cancer by the following tests:-

Pelvic Examination - In this type of test of the vagina, and other organs in the pelvis, checking for tumors, lumps, or masses.
Pap Test - This is the test in which examination of cells collected from the cervix is done with the microscope and then the conclusion is drawn whether it is the cancer or not.
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 Iimaging (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.
Biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed from the vagina for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present. The diagnosis of cancer is confirmed only by a biopsy.

Treatment of Vaginal cancer

Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common treatments of Vaginal cancer.

Surgery, including:

Laser surgery can be done to remove the cancer.
Local excision can be done to remove the cancer.
Vaginectomy can be done to remove the vagina.

Radiation therapy - Is the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

Chemotherapy - Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.

Prevention Tips of Vaginal cancer

Internal radiations procedures should be explained to the patients so that they can express their fears.
Patients should be encouraged to do active range of- motion exercises with both arms.
Patients should be advised to use a stent.
Patients should be explained the necessity of immobilization before the radiation treatment.

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