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WHAT IS VAGINAL CANCER?

Vaginal cancer is a very rare disease that starts in the vagina and most commonly affects women over 60.

Around 250 women in the UK and 5,170 in the US are diagnosed with the condition every year.

Symptoms rarely develop during the early stage of the disease but can include:

  • Unexpected bleeding, such as between periods, after the menopause and post sex
  • Vaginal discharge that smells or is blood stained
  • Vaginal pain during intercourse or when urinating
  • Vaginal lump or growth
  • Vaginal itch 
  • Persistent pelvic pain

As many as 20 per cent of sufferers have no symptoms at all. 

The above are also more likely to a sign of another condition, such as an infection. 

More than seven out of 10 cases occur in women over 70. The disease is very rare in women under 40. 

The STI HPV is present in over two-thirds of patients. 

Abnormal cells in the cervix or vagina are also associated with the cancer. These may be detected during routine cervical screenings. 

Surgery is the most common treatment. This may involve removing:

  • The upper section of the vagina
  • All of the vagina and the pelvic lymph nodes
  • All of the vagina, womb, ovaries, fallopian tubes and pelvic lymph nodes
  • All of the vagina and surrounding tissue, including the bladder and rectum 

Chemo and radiotherapy may also be required.

Source: Eve Appeal

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