Vaginal Cancer – A rising threat for women worldwide

by Amili R. SEO

The vagina is a canal that leads from the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus, to the outside of the female body. Vaginal cancer occurs when malignant cancer cells develop in the vagina. This is a rare form of cancer and is found more commonly in women aged 60 years or older. Aside from age, women who have been exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV) or diethylstilboestrol (DES) are under great risk of developing vaginal cancer cells. DES is a drug that doctors administered to pregnant women, from the 1940s to the 1970s, to prevent miscarriages. As such, if your mother was given the drug during her pregnancy, there is a chance that you might be at risk of developing vaginal cancer.

Symptoms

The most common symptom for vaginal cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after menopause. Other symptoms include:

Abnormal discharge from the vagina

Difficulty or pain during urination

Abnormal bowel function

Pain during sexual intercourse

Pain in the pelvic region

Back pain

Swelling in the legs

In case you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms, then do seek out a specialist at a vaginal cancer hospital to get a correct diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Certain tests are performed to confirm whether a patient may or may not have vaginal cancer. These are:

Physical Examination and Check-up, wherein the doctor goes through the patient’s medical history and habits that may contribute to the symptoms, while checking for any abnormal growth or lumps in the affected parts of the body.

Pelvic Examination, where the doctor or nurse may insert one or two gloved and lubricated fingers into the vagina and the rectum to check for lumps or abnormal growth with one hand while the other hand is placed on the lower abdomen to determine the size, shape and position of the uterus and ovaries.

Pap Test, which is a procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. This is done using cotton or a brush. The cells are later examined under a microscope.

Colposcopy, where a colposcope, which is a small, magnifying instrument, is used to examine the cervix and vagina for abnormalities. Tissues samples may also be collected at this stage.

Biopsy, which is another procedure of removal of cells from the cervix for examination by a pathologist.

It cannot be stressed enough as to how vital it is that you consult the best specialists at the best possible vaginal cancer hospital and treatment facility for a correct diagnosis.

Treatment and Recovery

Treatment and recovery for vaginal cancer depend upon several factors such as:

Stage at which the cancer has been diagnosed

The size of the tumour

Location of the cancerous growth

Patient’s age and health

Apart from these factors, doctors must also consider whether the vaginal cancer is a squamous cell carcinoma (which starts in the flat, thin cells that line the vagina) or an adenocarcinoma (which starts in the glandular cells of the vagina).

Interestingly, most people from around the world, particularly Africa and the Middle East, prefer to visit India for their treatment. The reason is not just affordability, but the world-class treatment and recovery available at affordable medical costs. And you may find some of the leading experts in this field when looking for a best cancer hospital in India.

Fortis Medical Research Institute is one of the best vaginal cancer hospitals. And with Gurgaon emerging as a hub for top quality medical treatments, Fortis hospital Gurgaon is your best bet when seeking a best cancer hospital in India.