Vaginal cancer is one of the much rarer female cancers but this can make it quite difficult to diagnose. In most cases, vaginal cancer occurs in the cells that line the surface of the vagina.
Usually, vaginal cancer is the result of cancerous cells spreading from other parts of the body. Primary vaginal cancer is very uncommon but certainly not unheard of.
As with all cancers, the earlier a diagnosis of vaginal cancer is made, the earlier treatment can start. If vaginal cancer is still contained then the prognosis is typically good, but if the cancerous cells have spread beyond the vagina, it’s much harder to treat.
Symptoms
During the early stages of vaginal cancer being present, the patient is unlikely to notice any particular signs or symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses the following are likely to become more apparent:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding, even if the patient is post-menopausal
- Pain or bleeding after intercourse
- A lump or mass in the vagina
- General pelvic pain
- Vaginal discharge that is particularly watery
- Painful and/or frequent urination
- Constipation
Types of vaginal cancer
There are several different types of vaginal cancer and categorisation depends on the type of cell where the cancer began. Vaginal cancer types include:
- Vaginal squamous cell carcinoma. This is the most common type. It originates in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) which line the surface of the vagina.
- Vaginal melanoma. This type of vaginal cancer develops in the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) that are present in the vagina.
- Vaginal sarcoma. Develops in the muscle cells or connective tissue cells found in the walls of the vagina.
- Vaginal adenocarcinoma. This type begins in the glandular cells on the surface of the vagina.
Are you a healthcare professional looking to understand more about common and not so common Gynae issues?
Why not brush up your skills with our one-day Gynae core skills for first contact practitioners course. Worth 7 hours of valuable CPD, this highly interactive programme is aimed at primary care practitioners involved with patients presenting with gynaecological concerns.
As it’s entirely held online, it’s ideal for remote learning at home that fits around you. All course materials and a certificate will be issued on completion.
As always, all of PDUK’s CPD courses are extremely popular so booking your space early is a must. They’re also led by highly experienced professionals in the field, so spaces fill up extremely quickly.
Get in touch with the PDUK team and secure your place today!
