Vaginal cancer is the uncontrolled growth of the abnormal cells in the vagina. Cancer that starts in the vagina is uncommon and called as primary vaginal cancer. The cancer cells in vagina is often come from elsewhere such as cervix and vulva.Vaginal cancer occurs more often in women over age 50, but can occur at any age, even in infancy. It often can be cured if found and treated in early stages. Surgery alone or surgery combined with pelvic radiation is typically used to treat vaginal cancer.
Symptoms
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, eg. after intercourse or menopause
- Watery vaginal discharge
- A lump or mass in vagina
- Painful urination
- Constipation
- Pelvic pain
Causes
- Advancing age of over 50 years
- Prior history of gynaecological cancer
- Previous treatment for dysplasia
- Genital warts
- Cigarette smoking
- Prenatal exposure to the synthetic hormone DES
- Vaginal adenosis
- Undergo regular pelvic exams and Pap tests. When discovered in its earliest stages, vaginal cancer is more likely to be cured.
- Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce risk of vaginal cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
- Don't smoke.Smoking increases the risk of vaginal cancer.





