WHAT IS VAGINAL CANCER?
Uncontrolled growth of cancer cells in the vagina or on
the vulva (vaginal lips). Can affect females of all ages, but the peak incidence is from
ages 45 to 65. Women with a positive family history of cancer of reproductive organs are
more at risk
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Itching.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Discomfort or bleeding with intercourse.
- Small or large, firm ulcerated painless growth on the
vulva. Cancers on the vulva have thick, raised edges and bleed easily.
HOW TO PREVENT
- No specific preventive measures. Have a yearly pelvic exam
to detect the disease during early stages when treatment is most effective.
- A woman must become familiar with the appearance of her
genitals. In India women just do not go to a gynec after last delivery. Ideally you should
use a mirror and examine yourself once a month.
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
- Typical symptoms.
- History and examination by a doctor.
- Laboratory studies, such as a Pap smear
and colposcopy.
- Surgical diagnostic procedures such as D&C.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Like other cancers fatal spread to other body parts.
Common sites of spread are the lymph nodes in the groin, wall of the pelvis, bladder,
rectum, bone, lungs or liver.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Early detection and treatment offer a good chance for
normal life expectancy. Symptoms can be relieved or controlled during treatment.
Research into causes and treatment continues, so there is
hope for increasingly effective treatment and cure.
TREATMENT
GENERAL MEASURES
- Usually Surgery to remove the vaginal lips.
- Radiation treatment (sometimes). External radiation
shrinks the primary tumor. Internal radiation (implants) affects cancer that has spread to
adjoining tissues. Implants of radium or cesium are used for 48 to 72 hours.
MEDICATION
Basically for symptoms like pain, fever, infection and
constipation
ACTIVITY
- A catheter will remain in the bladder for about 2 weeks
following surgery or during radiation treatment.
- If you have radiation implants, lie on your back while the
radiation source is in place. Move your arms and legs often to prevent formation of DVT.
- After radiation treatment--internal or external--resume
your normal activities in about 5 days.
- After surgery, resume your normal activities gradually,
allowing 6 weeks for full recovery.
- Resume sexual relations when healing is complete in 8 to
10 weeks.
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR, IF
- You have symptoms of cancer of the vagina or vulva.
- The following occurs at the treatment site after surgery
or radiation treatment:
- Signs of infection, such as increasing pain, fever and
swelling.
- Excessive bleeding.
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