Understanding Vaginal Cancer Symptoms, Types & More

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Did you know as per the American Cancer Society, nearly 1 out of every 1,100 women will have vaginal cancer in her entire life? Only 15% of cases happen in women under 40 age. (Roughly half of all cases occur in women older than 70.) Also, cancer which spreads beyond the vagina is much hard to treat.

Is Vaginal Cancer the Same as Cervical Cancer?

No, both are different. Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix containing cancerous cells (a narrow structure that connects the uterus to the vagina). But vaginal cancer (Vulvar cancer) is rare cancer that occurs in your vagina.

It most commonly occurs in the cells that line your vagina’s surface, which is sometimes called the birth canal. Also, if a lady has cancer in both the vagina and cervix, it’s generally called as cervical cancer.

Vaginal Cancer Symptoms

Sometimes early vaginal cancer shows no signs. But as it grows, you need to look for unusual bleeding from the vagina.

For example, after having sexual intercourse or after menopause, if you spot the following symptoms, then it’s sure that you need to consult the doctor immediately.

• Lump or mass in your vagina
• Abnormal Watery discharge
• Painful urination
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Pelvic pain

Common Types of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

It is the most common type, which starts in the thin and flat cells queued at the surface of the vagina. This cancer builds slowly.

Vaginal Adenocarcinoma

It begins in the glandular cells on the vagina’s surface (near the opening of secret mucus and vagina). This type of form makes up nearly 15% of all cases of vaginal cancer and typically develops in females over 50.

Vaginal Melanoma

It builds in the muscle cells or connective tissue cells in the vagina walls.

Survival Rates Differ Widely

Survival rates finally depend on what stage your cancer is at when it gets diagnosed. At stage 1, the survival rate is much higher as compared to the last stage.

Also, if you catch the pre-cancerous stages earlier, it is the best way to deal with it. Since every person is different, your doctor will offer you a clear picture of your prognosis.

Complications

Vaginal cancer may spread to distant regions of your body, like your lungs, bones, and liver.

Prevention & Treatment for Vaginal Cancer

It’s not possible to cure this disorder fully. But still, you can lower the risks. The excellent way to reduce the vaginal cancer risk is to prevent the known risk factors and cure the vaginal pre-cancers as soon as possible.

Prevent HPV infection

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading factor of vaginal cancer. It occurs mainly in young ladies and is less frequent in females over the age of thirty. This infection passes from one person to another during skin-on-skin contact with the infected region of the body.

HPV can spread during sex (*including vaginal, oral and anal sex). It is also possible for the genital infection to spread via hand-to-genital contact. So, think before having sex with an unknown person.

Use of Condom

Condoms offer protection against HPV. It can’t provide full protection as they don’t cover every possible HPV-infected region of your body like skin on the genital/anal area.

But still, condoms offer a little bit of protection against HPV. It even protects against STDs and HIV.

HPV Vaccines

They are the vaccines that safeguard against infection with certain kinds of HPC. You can only use them to prevent disease (vaginal cancers). But they help to treat any existing infection.

Take this vaccine before you get exposed to HPV via sex. They are also approved to prevent other cancers like anal and genital warts.

Avoid Smoking

Not smoking is another best way to reduce the vaginal cancer risk. Ladies who don’t smoke are also less likely to have any other cancers. For instance, like those of the lungs, throat, bladder, mouth, kidneys, and several other organs.

Find and Treat Pre-Cancers

Many squamous cell cancers begin as pre-cancerous changes known as vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN.) It may be present for years before converting into invasive cancer.

So, a Pap test or HPV test can sometimes help you to find those pre-cancers. If you have noticed it, remember it can be treated and stopped before it begins.