Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina | |
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Female reproductive anatomy with layers of the vaginal wall shown | |
Specialty | Oncology, Gynecology |
Symptoms | irregular vaginal bleeding, lump in the vagina, pain in vaginal area, pain with intercourse, pain with urination, constipation |
Types | keratinizing, nonkeratinizing, basaloid, warty |
Risk factors | HPV infection, smoking, early age at first sexual intercourse, multiple sex partners, age over 60 |
Diagnostic method | pelvic exam, biopsy |
Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is a potentially invasive type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. Though uncommonly diagnosed, squamous cell cancer of the vagina (SCCV) is the most common type of vaginal cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of cases of vaginal cancer. SCCV forms in squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells lining the vagina. It is further subdivided into the following subtypes: keratinizing, nonkeratinizing, basaloid, and warty. SCCV initially spreads superficially within the vaginal wall and can slowly spread to invade other vaginal tissues. This carcinoma can metastasize to the lungs, and less frequently in the liver, bone, or other sites. SCCV has many risk factors in common with cervical cancer and is similarly strongly associated with infection with oncogenic strains of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Signs and symptoms
SCCV may not cause early signs or symptoms and may be found during a routine pelvic exam and Pap test. Signs and symptoms may be caused by other types of vaginal cancer or by other conditions:
- bleeding or discharge not related to menstrual period
- pain during sexual intercourse
- pain in the pelvic area
- lump in the vagina
- pain when urinating
- constipation[1]
Risks
- multiple sex partners
- age > 60 years
- smoking
- human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- early age at first intercourse[2]
Diagnosis
Diagnosis includes a complete assessment of medical history and physical examination. A pelvic exam is typically performed. Other diagnostic procedures used are the pap test, colposcopy and biopsy.[1] Other procedures are used to aid in diagnosis: chest x-ray, CT scan (CAT scan), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET scan (positron emission tomography scan), and cystoscopy.[3]
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the following:
- stage and size of the cancer
- Whether the cancer is close to other organs that may be damaged by treatment
- Whether the patient has a uterus or has had a hysterectomy
- Whether the patient has had past radiation treatment to the pelvis[1]
Epidemiology
Those most affected are:
- older women
- peak incidence 60-79 years
- < 15% in women < 50 years old
- < 10% in women < 40 years old
- Fifty percent of SCCV associated with hysterectomy
- Incidence may increase with pelvic organ prolapse
- More prevalent in black and Hispanic women
- accounts for 80%-90% of all vaginal cancers[2]
References
- ^ a b c "Vaginal Cancer Treatment". National Cancer Institute. Retrieved 2018-02-20. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- ^ a b "Squamous-cell Carcinoma of the Vagina". www.dynamed.com. Retrieved 2018-02-20.
- ^ "Stages of Vaginal Cancer". National Cancer Institute. Retrieved 2018-02-20. This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
External links
- Clearinghouse of Information for DES daughters and Sons
- National Cancer Institute: Vaginal Cancer
- Clinically reviewed vaginal cancer information for patients
- UK vaginal cancer statistics
- Cancer.Net: Vaginal Cancer