Vaginal cancer
LOCATION
Vaginal cancer affects the vagina, which is the muscular tube that leads from the external female genitalia to the internal female genitalia. Vaginal cancer is the rarest of the gynecological cancers.
RISK FACTORS
History of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, smoking, history of precancerous lesions on the cervix, history of cervical cancer**
**These are risk factors and does not mean if you have these things you will get cancer nor does it mean if you don’t have these things that you are unable to get vaginal cancer. Please consult with your medical provider to see if you need more frequent exams.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may include:
-
unexplained vaginal bleeding
-
vaginal irritation or itching that will not go away
-
bleeding with urination
SCREENING
There are no specific screening tests for early detection of vaginal cancer. However, knowing your “normal” and seeing your medical provider when symptoms last longer than 2 weeks. Annual pelvic exam with a medical provider can catch vaginal abnormalities early***.
***Frequency of pelvic/vaginal exams with a medical provider is dependent on your level of risk. Please speak to your medical provider to discuss how frequently you should have these exams.
treatment
Treatment for vaginal cancer will depend on the type of vaginal cancer, if there are any other areas that are involved or if the cancer has spread, and how early the cancer is being caught.
Treatment can include prescribed topical cream, surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation.
HOW TO REDUCE RISK FACTORS?
The most efficient way to reduce your risk is to receive the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is recommended for males and females from age 9-26. There are some exceptions that allow for vaccination up to age 45. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking is another way to reduce your risk.