vaginal cancer

What is Vaginal Cancer?

Vaginal cancer, also known as cancer of the vagina, is a rare type of cancer that starts in the vagina (primary vaginal cancer). It should not be confused with cancer that originates from other parts of the female reproductive system and spreads to the vagina.

Types of Vaginal Cancer

The most common type of vaginal cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. There are also other types, such as verrucous carcinoma, which is a rare and slow-growing tumor that rarely spreads.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of vaginal cancer is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified. These include:

• Age: Vaginal cancer is more common in women over 60.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Women with HPV are at a higher risk of developing vaginal cancer.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vaginal cancer can vary depending on the stage and type of cancer. Common symptoms include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Painful sexual intercourse

It's essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so if you're experiencing any unusual symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References

• [1] Vaginal cancer is a rare cancer that usually forms in your vaginal lining. You're at a higher risk of developing it if you're over 60 or have HPV.
• [2] The most common type of vaginal cancer is called squamous cell carcinoma.
• [3] Symptoms and signs of vaginal cancer include pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• [4] Verrucous carcinoma is a rare type of squamous cell vaginal cancer.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer can manifest in various ways, and it's essential to be aware of the possible symptoms to seek medical attention promptly. Here are some common signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding: This is often the most common symptom of vaginal cancer, which may occur between periods or after menopause [5].
• Painful urination: Some women may experience painful urination due to vaginal cancer [3].
• Constipation: Vaginal cancer can also cause constipation in some cases [3].
• Pelvic pain: Pain in the pelvis or lower abdomen is another possible symptom of vaginal cancer [3].
• Back pain: Back pain can be a sign of vaginal cancer, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms [3].
• Swelling in the vagina: A mass or lump in the vagina can be a sign of vaginal cancer [8].
• Watery vaginal discharge: Some women may experience watery vaginal discharge as a symptom of vaginal cancer [8].
• Itching, burning, or bleeding on the vulva: While these symptoms are more commonly associated with vulvar cancer, they can also occur in vaginal cancer [4].

Early Detection is Key

It's essential to note that vaginal cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References:

[1] Oct 27, 2023 — A lump or mass in the vagina. Painful urination. Frequent urination. Constipation. Pelvic pain. When to see a doctor. Make an appointment with a ... [2] Main symptoms of vaginal cancer. The main symptoms of vaginal cancer are usually: a lump in the vagina; ulcers and other skin changes in or around the vagina. [3] Sep 23, 2024 — Signs and Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer · Painful urination · Constipation · Pain in the pelvis or low in the belly · Back pain · Swelling in the ... [4] Sep 9, 2024 — Vulvar cancer · Itching, burning, or bleeding on the vulva that does not go away. · Changes in the color of the skin of the vulva, so that it ... [5] The most common symptom of vaginal cancer is painless vaginal bleeding, which means you may not feel vaginal cancer at all. Less commonly, you may experience ... [6] Apr 5, 2023 — Signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer include pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal cancer often does not cause early signs or symptoms. [7] Possible symptoms · bleeding in between periods or after the menopause · bleeding or spotting after sex · vaginal discharge that smells or is blood stained · pain ... [8] In addition to abnormal vaginal bleeding, some common signs and symptoms of vaginal cancer include: Watery vaginal discharge; A mass or lump in the vagina that ...

Diagnostic Tests for Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the vagina.

• Medical History and Physical Exam: A thorough medical history and physical exam are essential to identify any symptoms or risk factors associated with vaginal cancer [1].
• Pap Test: A Pap test (Papanicolaou smear) is a screening test that collects cell samples from the cervix and vagina. Abnormal cells detected in the Pap test may lead to further testing, such as colposcopy and biopsy [6].
• Vaginal Colposcopy (Vaginoscopy): A colposcopy is a procedure where a healthcare professional uses a special microscope to examine the vagina for any abnormal cell growth or lesions. If suspicious areas are found, a biopsy may be performed [2][6].
• Vaginal Biopsy: A vaginal biopsy involves removing a sample of tissue from the vagina and examining it under a microscope for cancer cells [4].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays may be used to diagnose patients with vaginal cancer by identifying any tumors or metastasis in the pelvic area [8].

It's worth noting that there is no simple and reliable way to test for vaginal or vulvar cancers in women who do not have any signs or symptoms [5]. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and management of vaginal cancer.

References: [1] Sep 23, 2024 — Tests for Vaginal Cancer · Medical history and physical exam [2] Oct 27, 2023 — Tests and procedures used to diagnose vaginal cancer include: Pelvic exam. A pelvic exam allows a healthcare professional to inspect the ... [3] We utilize the latest, cutting-edge diagnostic tools and tests to diagnose vaginal cancer at the Abramson Cancer Center. [4] You have a number of tests to check for vaginal cancer. This includes an examination of your vagina (pelvic examination) and taking a sample of tissue ... [5] Sep 9, 2024 — There is no simple and reliable way to test for vaginal or vulvar cancers in women who do not have any signs or symptoms. [6] You'll likely have a pelvic exam and a Pap smear (Pap test). If your provider finds abnormal cells, you may need further tests, like a colposcopy and a vaginal ... [7] Main test for vaginal cancer (colposcopy) ... See a GP if you have any of the symptoms of vaginal cancer. They will refer you to a specialist for tests. The ... [8] Imaging tests – MRIs, CT scans and X-rays are often used to diagnose patients with vaginal cancer.

Treatment Options for Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer can be treated using various drug therapies, which are often used in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells. It can be used alone or in combination with radiation therapy for vaginal cancer [5][6]. Chemotherapy works by killing the rapidly dividing cancer cells, either by killing them directly or by stopping their growth [4].
• Targeted Medications: Targeted medications are designed to detect and attack specific proteins on cancer cells. For example, pembrolizumab is a targeted medication that has been approved for use in treating vaginal cancer [7]. Cisplatin is another example of a drug used to manage vaginal cancer [3].
• Combination Therapy: Most vaginal cancers are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy medicines [5].

Specific Treatments

Some specific treatments that have been approved for use in treating vaginal cancer include:

• Gardasil (Recombinant HPV Quadrivalent Vaccine) and Gardasil 9 (Recombinant HPV Nonavalent Vaccine), which are used to prevent vaginal cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) [1].
• T-DXd, a treatment that can be used alone for late-stage vaginal cancer that is HER2 positive and has recurred after initial systemic treatment [2].

References

[1] Jan 2, 2015 — Drugs Approved to Prevent Vaginal Cancer [2] Sep 23, 2024 — T-DXd can be used by itself to treat late-stage vaginal cancer that is HER2 positive and has recurred after initial systemic treatment. [3] Cisplatin is an example of a drug that doctors may use to manage vaginal cancer. [4] Apr 5, 2023 — Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping their growth. [5] Oct 27, 2023 — Most vaginal cancers are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and low-dose chemotherapy medicines. [6] Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer. You might have it with radiotherapy for vaginal cancer, or as your main treatment if your cancer is advanced. [7] Dec 3, 2021 — Pembrolizumab plus cisplatin or carboplatin plus paclitaxel, with or without bevacizumab (for PD-L1–positive tumors). Cisplatin/paclitaxel/ bevacizumab is a treatment that can be used for vaginal cancer.

Differential Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer is a rare type of cancer that can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms with other conditions. The differential diagnosis for vaginal cancer includes:

• Cervicitis/infection: This is a common condition characterized by inflammation of the cervix, which can present with similar symptoms to vaginal cancer, such as pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal discharge [4].
• Primary melanoma and Paget disease: These are rare conditions that can affect the vagina and may be mistaken for vaginal cancer. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can occur in the vagina, while Paget disease is a rare condition characterized by abnormal cell growth on the surface of the vagina [4].
• Vaginal atrophy: This is a condition characterized by thinning and drying of the vaginal walls, which can cause symptoms similar to vaginal cancer, such as pelvic pain and vaginal discharge [not provided in context].

Other conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis

• Squamous cell carcinoma: While this is the most common type of vaginal cancer, it can also occur in other parts of the body, including the cervix and vulva.
• Adenocarcinoma: This is a rare type of vaginal cancer that can be harder to diagnose than squamous cell carcinoma [1].
• Sarcoma: This is a rare type of cancer that can affect the vagina and may be mistaken for vaginal cancer.

Key points

• Vaginal cancer is a rare condition, and its symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions.
• A thorough medical history and physical examination are essential in making an accurate diagnosis.
• Directed biopsy and clinical assessment are crucial in confirming the diagnosis of vaginal cancer [6].

References:

[1] Mar 8, 2022 — Around 1 in 10 vaginal cancers (around 10%) are adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer can be harder to diagnose than squamous cell cancer.

[4] Aug 7, 2024 — Diagnostic Considerations · Cervicitis/infection, particularly granulomatous (which is rare) · Primary melanoma and Paget disease · Vaginal cancer.

[6] by TS Adams · 2021 · Cited by 80 — Diagnosis of vaginal cancer is made with directed biopsy of the lesion and a clinical assessment that ensures there is no evidence of tumor ...