Vaginal cancer, also known as vaginal carcinoma, is a rather rare cancer. This disease affects the woman's vagina. It mainly affects older women. Vaginal cancer often develops in another organ and spreads from there to the vagina.
You can find all the information and selected vaginal cancer specialists here.
There are three forms of vaginal cancer, depending on the cell type affected:
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type, accounting for around 95% of malignant tumors. The tumors develop in the uppermost cell layer of the vaginal skin.
A distinction is also made between primary and secondary vaginal cancer.
Primary vaginal cancer occurs when the cancer develops directly from cells in the vagina. In many cases, however, malignant tumors of the vagina develop secondarily. This means that the tumor has developed in other organs and then metastasized from there to the vagina.
Cervical cancer(cervical carcinoma) and tumors on the labia in particular often spread to the vagina. Vaginal cancer is associated with cervical cancer in around 30% of cases.
If vaginal cancer is detected early, thereis a goodchance of a complete cure.
Vaginal cancer often develops from cervical cancer that spreads to the vagina © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock
Unfortunately, as with many other types of cancer, the symptoms of vaginal cancer only appear relatively late. The first symptoms can be bleeding from the vagina, which mainly occurs after sexual intercourse. Bloody discharge can also be a sign of vaginal cancer.
If the tumor has already spread to a greater extent, pain in the abdomen may occur. Disorders of bowel function or the urinary bladder can also be among the symptoms.
Vaginal cancer is usually discovered by chance during a routine examination at the gynecologist. The women affected often have no symptoms at all at the time of diagnosis.
During the examination, the doctor takes individual cells from the mucous membrane as part of a cell smear (Pap test). These cells are then examined under a microscope. If the cells show a conspicuous change, the diagnosis is supported with a tissue sample (biopsy).
The doctor can also use a colposcope (a special microscope) to examine the mucous membrane more closely.
If vaginal cancer is suspected, the doctor must assess how advanced the tumor is. This assessment is important because the exact stage of the tumor will determine the treatment options.
With the help of imaging techniques, the doctor can take a look at the neighboring organs. This allows him to see whether the tumor has already attacked other parts of the body and whether metastasis has occurred. Helpful imaging examinations include
In most cases, a rectoscopy and urethrocystoscopy of the urinary tract are also performed.
Treatment depends on the stage of the tumor and is usually carried out by a specialist in gynaecological oncology. In the early stages, the medical team usually chooses other forms of treatment than in more advanced stages.
The tumor can be removed surgically, but radiation may also be used. In some cases, it is advisable to remove the vaginal carcinoma surgically and also give it radiotherapy.
Chemotherapy plays a subordinate role in vaginal carcinoma.
The extent of the operation depends on the size of the tumor. If a small tumor is discovered at an early stage, it can be removed completely and the vagina remains intact.
In the case of a very extensive vaginal carcinoma, the vagina may have to be completely removed.
In rare individual cases, part of the bowel or bladder must be removed. Regional lymph nodes can also be affected and must then also be operated on.
The aim of radiotherapy is to kill malignant cells using radioactive radiation. There are two different ways in which doctors direct the radiation to the affected area.
Vaginal cancer can lead to complications during the course of the disease. One complication is, for example, that the cancer spreads to neighboring organs. The following organs in particular can be affected:
In some cases, vaginal carcinoma also spreads via the lymphatic system and metastases form. The pelvic lymph nodes are usually affected by metastases. They are rarely found in organs such as the lungs, liver or bones.
If the cancer enlarges in the pelvis, other organs can be constricted by it. If vaginal cancer presses on the ureters, urine flows poorly. It can then back up into the kidneys and damage them.
The prognosis for vaginal cancer depends on the stage of the disease. If vaginal cancer is detected early, the prognosis is very good. A complete cure is then possible in any case.
However, as vaginal carcinoma does not show any clear symptoms in the early stages, the disease is often only discovered relatively late. This is one of the reasons why regular check-ups by a gynecologist are so important for cancer prevention.
If vaginal cancer is suspected, an immediate visit to a specialist is essential.
If a malignant tumor in the vagina has been successfully treated, regular follow-up care is required. In the first three subsequent years, follow-up care takes place every three months. Then every six months for the next two years and once a year after five years.
The gynecologist will ask the patient in detail whether there are any complaints. Any abnormalities that are not related to vaginal cancer should also be discussed. During the examination, the doctor palpates the vagina and examines it using ultrasound and a colposcope. He takes a smear of the cells from the vagina, which are then examined in a laboratory. This makes it possible to determine exactly whether cells have malignantly degenerated again.
If suspicious symptoms occur between follow-up appointments, please do not wait for the next follow-up appointment. See your gynecologist immediately.
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