Cancer is a serious health issue that can affect any part of the body, including the vagina, although vaginal cancer is quite rare. Being informed about the symptoms and causes of vaginal cancer is crucial for protection against its harmful effects.
**Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer**
If you suspect cancer in the vaginal area, seek medical attention immediately, as early detection and treatment are critical. Here are some common symptoms of vaginal cancer to watch for. These symptoms might not appear in the early stages, so don’t delay seeing a doctor if you notice any of them.
– **Unusual Vaginal Discharge**: If you’ve noticed changes in your vaginal discharge’s flow, color, or texture for a few months, don’t ignore it. While it may not necessarily indicate cancer, consulting a gynecologist can help identify the cause. Early treatment is possible if cancer is the underlying issue.
– **Painful Intercourse**: Cancer in the vagina can make intercourse painful, with the pain sometimes lasting hours or even a day afterward. This is due to cancer-affected tissue growing beyond its usual size, causing discomfort during intercourse.
– **Pain while Urinating**: Severe cramps during urination could indicate cancer in the vaginal area. The muscular tube connecting the outer genitals to the uterus might be affected, making urination painful.
– **Swelling in Legs**: Swelling in the legs might occur as a result of cancer in the vagina, causing discomfort.
– **Pelvic Zone Pain**: Persistent pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area, between the hip bones, should not be ignored. A doctor can diagnose whether it’s a symptom of vaginal cancer and begin treatment to prevent further harm.
– **Back or Leg Pain**: Experiencing back or leg pain might also be linked to vaginal cancer.
– **Constipation**: Cancer can impact the digestive system, leading to constipation and general discomfort. If this occurs alongside other symptoms, it may signal cancer in the vagina.
– **Lump or Mass in the Vagina**: A growing lump or mass in the vaginal area can cause pain during intercourse.
**Causes of Vaginal Cancer**
Though rare, vaginal cancer can occur in some women, often linked to infections or conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. Here are some primary causes:
– **Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Infection**: Of the 150 types of HPV, types 9 and 11 commonly affect the genital area and can sometimes lead to cancer. HPV is often spread through sexual contact and is found in 75% of vaginal cancer cases.
– **History of Cancer in Cervix or Womb**: Women with previous cervical or womb cancer are at higher risk of developing vaginal cancer, especially after undergoing radiotherapy.
– **Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)**: HIV weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of developing vaginal cancer.
– **DES Treatment During Pregnancy**: Women exposed to the DES drug while pregnant may have daughters at risk of developing rare vaginal or cervical cancers.
– **Age Over 70**: Older women are more prone to squamous cell cancer of the vagina. Half the cases of this cancer are in women over 70.
– **Vaginal Abnormalities**: Conditions like adenosis, often related to maternal DES treatment during pregnancy, can increase cancer risk.
– **Pelvic Radiotherapy History**: Prior radiotherapy for other health issues can rarely result in vaginal cancer.
– **Pessary Use**: Though not conclusively proven, pessaries used to support the uterus may irritate the vagina, potentially contributing to cancer.
– **Smoking**: Heavy smoking significantly raises the risk of vaginal cancer.
– **Alcohol Consumption**: Like smoking, excessive alcohol intake is linked to a higher risk of vaginal cancer.
**Diagnosis of Vaginal Cancer**
If symptoms suggest vaginal cancer, it’s essential to consult a gynecologist. They’ll review your medical history, conduct a physical exam, and possibly perform the following diagnostic tests:
– **Pelvic Examination**: Checks for abnormalities.
– **Pap Smear**: Tests for cervical cancer.
– **Colposcopy**: Examines the cervix in detail if abnormalities are found in preliminary tests.
– **Biopsies**: Takes tissue samples for lab analysis to confirm vaginal cancer. This test requires local anesthesia due to potential discomfort.
**Treatment of Vaginal Cancer**
Once diagnosed, treatment for vaginal cancer typically involves one or more of the following:
– **Radiation Therapy**: Uses high-power X-rays to destroy cancer cells but may lead to menopause-like symptoms such as pelvic pain or vaginal dryness.
– **Chemotherapy**: Involves medication to kill cancer cells, either orally or through an IV. It can cause side effects such as reduced sex drive, hair loss, and nausea.
– **Surgery**: A last resort when other treatments fail. This often involves removing affected tissues to prevent cancer from spreading. Surgery generally doesn’t impact sex life severely but may require post-operative precautions to avoid infection.
Before undergoing any treatment, it’s essential to understand potential side effects and discuss options with healthcare professionals. This information aims to enhance awareness of vaginal cancer symptoms and causes for better health management.