Vaginal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the
vagina.
The vagina is the canal leading from the cervix (the opening of uterus) to
the outside of the body. At birth, a baby passes out of the body through the
vagina (also called the birth canal).
Vaginal cancer is not common. When found in early stages, it can often be
cured. There are two main types of vaginal cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that forms in squamous cells, the thin,
flat cells lining the vagina. Squamous cell vaginal cancer spreads slowly and
usually stays near the vagina, but may spread to the lungs and liver. This is
the most common type of vaginal cancer. It is found most often in women aged 60
or older.
Adenocarcinoma: Cancer that begins in glandular (secretory) cells.
Glandular cells in the lining of the vagina make and release fluids such as
mucus. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the
lungs and lymph nodes. It is found most often in women aged 30 or younger.
What are causes and risk factors for vaginal cancer?
Age and exposure to the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) before birth affect a
woman's risk of developing vaginal cancer.
Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk
factor. Risk factors for vaginal cancer include the following:
Being aged 60 or older.
Being exposed to DES while in the mother's womb.
In the 1950s, the drug DES was given to some pregnant women to prevent
miscarriage (premature birth of a fetus that cannot survive). Women who were
exposed to DES before birth have an increased risk of developing vaginal cancer.
Some of these women develop a rare form of cancer called clear cell
adenocarcinoma.
Lymph nodes help the body's immune system fight infections. Causes of swollen lymph nodes (glands) may include infection (viral, bacterial, fungal, parasites). Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes vary greatly. They can sometimes be tender, painful or disfiguring. The treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends upon the cause.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the entrance to the womb (uterus). Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with cryosurgery, cauterization, or laser surgery. The most common symptom of cancer of the cervix is abnormal bleeding.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. HPV is primarily transmitted by sexual contact. While some people develop warts in the genital region after infection, others experience no symptoms. Though genital warts can be removed, there is no cure for HPV infection. There is a vaccine to prevent infection from four common HPV types.
Cancer is a disease caused by an abnormal growth of cells, also called malignancy. It is a group of 100 different diseases, and is not contagious. Cancer can be treated through chemotherapy, a treatment of drugs that destroy cancer cells.
Women's health is an important topic area to guide a woman through the stages of her life, as well as knowing the conditions and diseases that may occur. Educating yourself so that the transitions into different phases of life is key to a healthy, happy, and productive life.
Causes and risk factors for cervical cancer have been identified and include human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, having many sexual partners, smoking, taking birth control pills, and engaging in early sexual contact.
HPV infection may cause cervical dysplasia, or abnormal growth of cervical cells.
Regular pelvic exams and Pap testing can detect
precancerous changes in the cervix.
Precancerous changes in the cervix may be treated with
cryosurgery,
cauterization, or laser surgery.
The most common symptoms and signs of cervical cancer are abnormal bleeding and pelvic pain.
Cervical cancer can be diagnosed using a Pap smear or other procedures that sample the cervix tissue.
Chest X-rays, CT scan, MRI, and a
PET scan may be used to determine the stage of cervical cancer.
Cancer of the cervix requires different treatment than
cancer that
begins in other parts of ...
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