Vagina Cancer

The vagina is a muscular, tubular structure that connects the external genitalia to the uterus. It is also called the birth canal. Cancer of this area is very rare. It is mostly caused by abnormal growth of cells on its surface. Although it can occur at any age, it is more common in women over 60. The cancer may have spread from elsewhere or started here first.

What are the Symptoms

There may not be any symptoms in the early period. As the cancer progresses, it causes the following symptoms;

– Unexpected vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse or after menopause

– Bloody or foul-smelling vaginal discharge

– Swelling or mass in the vagina

– Bloody urine

– Constipation

– Pain in the groin

Why It Happens

In general, cancers are caused by excessive proliferation of normal cells due to genetic mutations. A healthy cell grows, multiplies and dies in a certain order. Cancer cells, on the other hand, multiply uncontrollably and do not die. The abnormal cells thus formed form the mass we call a tumor. They can spread to adjacent tissues and even to more distant tissues. For vaginal cancers, the exact cause is still unknown.

What are the Risk Factors

– Women who use a drug called diethylstilbestrol to induce a miscarriage during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing vaginal cancer in their children. This medicine was used for miscarriage in the 1950s but is now banned.

– Sexually transmitted HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) increases the risk of cancer in the vagina as well as in the cervix.

– If cancer has already developed in the sexual area, there is a high risk of cancer in the vagina.

– Having a large number of sexual partners

– Starting sexual intercourse at an early age

– Smoking

How to Diagnose

During a normal gynecological examination, even if you do not have any complaints, your vagina is looked at and examined. With a speculum, the vagina is enlarged and examined in detail. The Pap test for cervical cancer can also be performed here. If abnormalities are found, colposcopy and, if necessary, biopsy are also performed.

What It Can Lead To

Cancer of the vagina can spread to any part of the body, such as the lungs, liver and bones.

How to Treat

Treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer. Surgery and radiotherapy will be performed. Chemotherapy can also be added if necessary.

What can be done to prevent it

It is not possible to prevent cancer. However, it is possible to catch it at an early stage with periodic examinations. Thus, the chance of treatment will be high.