The vagina is the channel that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. It is the birthing canal in a female body. Vaginal cancer occurs when the cells in the vagina grow abnormally. Usually, vaginal cancer occurs when the cancer cells reach the vagina from some other part of the body. The cases of cancer starting in the vagina are rather rare. One of the most common cause of vaginal cancer is HPV or human papillomavirus. It is one of the most commonly spread sexually transmitted disease (STD). Therefore, it becomes important to be aware about the various risk factors, symptoms and the treatment given for vaginal cancer.
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This type of vaginal cancer starts in the lining of the vagina.This type of cancer spreads slowly and tends to remain close to where it first started although, it can reach other organs like lungs, liver and/ or bones. This type of vaginal cancer occurs in older ages.
2. Adenocarcinoma:This type of vaginal cancer starts in the cells of the glands in the lining of the vagina. This type of cancer is more likely to spread to other parts of the groin and body.
3. Clear Cell Carcinoma: This is the rarest type of vaginal cancer. It occurs in the daughters of the mothers who took the hormone called diethylstilbestrol (DES) during their pregnancy.
The following are some of the causes of vaginal cancer:
1. Human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease. Although HPV itself gets cured after a while, it can still lead to vaginal cancer or cervical cancer if it lingers for a longer time.
2. Diethylstilbestrol (DES): Being exposed to DES as a fetus can also cause vaginal cancer.
3. Drinking heavily.
4. Having cervical cancer can also increase the risk of vaginal cancer.
5. Smoking: Smoking can double the risk of developing vaginal cancer.
6. Having HIV.
Often times, vaginal cancer does not have any specific symptoms. The doctor may discover cancer cells during routinely examination. In case the symptoms do occur, they will be:
1. Unusual bleeding from your vagina
2. Watery discharge from the vagina
3. Pain while urinating or having sex
4. Pain in the pelvis
5. Constipation
6. A lump on the vagina
One or more of the following tests may be performed to confirm the vaginal cancer:
1. The doctor will ask you about your symptoms and perform a pelvic exam.
2. This may be followed by a pap smear test and vaginal biopsy.
3. If the pap test and biopsy show abnormal cells, then the doctor may perform a colposcopy in which the doctor will examine the cervix and vagina using a colposcope.
The treatment is depends on many factors such as age of the patient, the stage of the cancer, the position of the cancer cells and how close it is to other organs. The following treatments may be provided to the patient:
1. Surgery: The doctor may use a laser to remove the tissues or cervix and vagina that contain the cancer cells.
2. Radiotherapy: This method uses high power x-rays to destroy the cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: In this medication, specialized drugs and medicines are used to destroy the cancer cells in the body. The treatment includes medicines to be taken by mouth and/ or injected into the vein. You can easily buy anti-cancer medicine online at low cost from 3MEDS.
The recovery depends on many factors such as the age of the patient and the stage of the cancer at which the treatment began. The chances of successful treatment are higher if the treatment begins in the initial stages of the cancer. Nevertheless, completely the course of the treatment is very crucial. All the treatments suggests by the doctor should be followed for the best results. The patient can conveniently buy prescription cancer medicines online from 3MEDS.
