Vagina Cancer

What is Vagina Cancer?

Women are unfortunately at risk for a variety of different types of cancers, but one of the rarest types is vagina cancer. Cancer in the vagina occurs when some of the cells within this area turn cancerous. There are a variety of different types of vaginal cancer, including sarcomas, squamous cell cancer, malignant melanomas and adenocarcinoma. Although this type of cancer is so rare, it is still important that women are aware of this type of cancer so they can recognize the risks and the symptoms should they ever deal with this cancer.

Vagina Cancer Statistics

Cancer in the vagina is actually a very rare type of cancer; in fact, this type of cancer accounts for less than 3% of all the gynecological cancers that women develop. Usually, this type of cancer is found in women that are over the age of 60; however, certain types of this cancer may strike younger women as well. The most common type of vagina cancer is squamous cell cancer, which actually accounts for 90% of vaginal cancers. It is quite uncommon for cancer to start out in the vagina; however, in many cases, other types of cancer can metastasize and move to the vagina. Only a few more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with vagina cancer each year and about 790 people die from this type of cancer each year.

What Causes Vagina Cancer?

When it comes to vagina cancer, there are a variety of different causes and risk factors associated with this cancer. One of the most common causes of this cancer is that while the patient was a fetus, her mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol, which is known as DES. A history of cervical cancer or pre cancer also elevates the risk for vaginal cancer and women who have dealt with HPV in the past are at a higher risk for the disease as well. Women who smoke are also more likely to develop cancer of the vagina.

Vagina Cancer Symptoms

Although each person may have different symptoms of vagina cancer, there are a few symptoms that are quite universal in women who have this type of cancer. Some of the symptoms to be aware of include bleeding that has nothing to do with your period, pain in the area of the pelvis, pain when urinating, constipation, feeling a mass in the area, or even pain while having sexual intercourse. Even if you had a hysterectomy in the past, you still can develop vaginal cancer, so never ignore any of these symptoms.

Vagina Cancer Treatments

The type of treatment that you are given will be dependent upon the specific type of vagina cancer you have and your medical history as well. Surgery is often used as a way to get rid of the cancer, whether by laser or a local excision. Other treatments for vagina cancer include both chemotherapy and radiation and many times these are both used in conjunction with surgical treatment too.

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