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Cancer of the vagina is considered a rare kind of cancer in women. (Read about "Cancer: What It Is") The vagina is the passageway that connects the vulva (the folds of skin around the opening to the vagina) and the cervix (the opening of the womb or uterus).
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are two types of cancer of the vagina: squamous cell cancer (squamous carcinoma) and adenocarcinoma. NCI says squamous carcinoma is usually found in women between the ages of 60 and 80. Adenocarcinoma is more often found in women between the ages of 12 and 30.
Young women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) are considered at risk, according to NCI. This drug was used to prevent miscarriages during the middle of the 20th century. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is also a risk factor for vaginal cancer. (Read about "STD's")
Warning signs of vaginal cancer include:
A woman who is experiencing unusual pain or bleeding should see her doctor. NCI points out that even women who have undergone hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) can still develop this type of cancer. (Read about "Hysterectomy")
A doctor may use several tests to see if there is cancer. During an internal or pelvic examination, the doctor will feel for lumps and can then do a Pap test. This test is also used to detect cervical cancer. (Read about "Cervical Cancer")
If cells that are not normal are found, the doctor will need to biopsy or remove a small sample of tissue from the vagina and look at it under a microscope. (Read about "Biopsy") Other tests may also be used to make sure that, if cancer is present, it has not spread to other parts of the body. This is called staging. A doctor needs to know the stage of the disease to plan treatment.
The following stages are used for cancer of the vagina, according to NCI:
Stage I
In stage I, cancer is found in the vagina, but has not spread outside of it.
Stage II
In stage II, cancer has spread to the tissues just outside the vagina, but has not gone to the bones of the pelvis.
Stage III
In stage III, cancer has spread to the wall of the pelvis.
Stage IVA
In stage IVA, cancer has spread into the bladder or rectum or beyond the area of the pelvis that has the bladder, uterus, ovaries, and cervix.(Read about "The Urinary System")
Stage IVB
In stage IVB, cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs.
There is also what is called recurrent disease, that means the cancer has come back (recurred) after it has been treated. It may come back in the vagina or in another place.
Treatment options include: (Read about "Cancer Treatments")
The chance of recovery and choice of treatment depend on the stage of the cancer (whether it is just in the vagina or has spread to other places) and the patient's general state of health.
More Cancer Information:
For a list of individual types of cancer, see Cancer: What It Is
All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.
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By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online.