Vaginal Cancer Treatment in Lucknow

Vaginal Cancer Treatment in Lucknow

Vaginal cancer is one of the rarer gynaecological cancers in existence, and if you have been searching for answers about the disease, this page will help you gather more information about what it is, how it develops, the symptoms to watch out for, and what vaginal cancer treatment looks like. At Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow, Dr Isha Pai aims to provide complete and highly personalised care for vaginal cancer at every stage. If you would like to consult a specialist and book an appointment, you can do so directly through this page.

What Is Vaginal Cancer?

As the name suggests, vaginal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells that specifically begins in the vagina. Like all types of cancer, these cells can multiply quickly while actively invading and destroying the healthy tissue around them. Many might not have heard of vaginal cancer, as it is a rare cancer and is much less common than cervical and breast cancer. According to research, vaginal cancer accounts for only about 1-2% of all female reproductive tract cancers. 

Most cases of vaginal cancer are linked to persistent infection with the HPV or Human Papillomavirus, which is the same virus responsible for causing the majority of cervical cancers in women. Due to the connection, vaginal cancer is typically seen in women who have had a history of cervical cancer.

Type of Vaginal Cancer

While rare, vaginal cancer is typically divided into two types, depending on the kind of cell from which it originates: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. 

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma: This is the most common type and makes up the vast majority of vaginal cancers. It starts in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the surface of the vagina. The growth is usually slow and can take years. Squamous cell carcinoma of the vagina is strongly associated with HPV infection.
2. Adenocarcinoma: This is a less common type that starts in the glandular/gland cells of the vagina, which make fluid and mucus. Adenocarcinoma is more prevalent in younger women and has been associated with certain developmental or exposure-related factors in some cases, rather than HPV.

Symptoms of Vaginal Cancer

Vaginal cancer symptoms may not show up at first. However, when the cancer starts to grow, it may cause some symptoms, including the following:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge: This is one of the most commonly reported symptoms of vaginal cancer. It includes abnormal bleeding between periods, after menopause, or right after intercourse. Discharge that has a watery consistency, is blood-tinged, or has an unusual odour can also be seen in the case of vaginal cancer. Abnormal bleeding or unusual discharge from the vagina is often the first sign that urges people to see a doctor.
• A lump or mass that can be felt in the vagina: Sometimes during self-evaluation or intercourse, you may feel a mass or lump in the vagina. Such lumps may not always be painful, but a consultation is still required to be on the safe side.
• Pain during intercourse: Sudden discomfort or pain felt during any kind of sexual activity can be a symptom that warrants medical attention.
• Changes in urination: Since the vagina is located near the bladder and the urethra, tumours may, at times, press down on nearby structures. This can lead to increased urinary frequency, urgency, or discomfort while peeing.

Other symptoms of vaginal cancer include constipation, persistent itching in the vagina, and pelvic pain. It is important to note that all of these symptoms can overlap with other gynaecological conditions, and it is best to reach out to a healthcare provider to figure out the underlying cause. 

NOTE: Having one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have vaginal cancer. Abnormal bleeding and discharge are common occurrences and may be related to infections or hormonal changes. That being said, such symptoms can occasionally point to something that requires medical attention, and it is always worth having them checked out professionally for your peace of mind instead of waiting them out. 

Causes of Vaginal Cancer

The most common cause of vaginal cancer is some strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for causing over half of all vaginal cancers. HPV can be contracted from skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, vaginal or anal sex, and sharing adult toys. 

You can also get vaginal cancer without HPV, as, like every other cancer, the cells here behave the same way. Instead of multiplying and eventually dying, they keep growing rapidly until they form harmful tumours that can spread to other parts of the body. 

Risk Factors Associated with Vaginal Cancer

Patients might develop vaginal cancer if they-

• Have an HPV infection. HPV infections increase the risk of both cervical and vaginal cancer.
• Have had a history of cervical cancer. Women who have been treated for cervical cancer in the past are more likely to develop vaginal cancer.
• Are over 60. Age is an important risk factor in vaginal cancer and is usually seen in women over the age of 60 years
• Are addicted to smoking. Tobacco use can increase the chances of vaginal cancer, as it inhibits your body’s ability to treat HPV infections.

Other risk factors include:

• Lupus
• HIV or AIDS
• Womb cancer

Vaginal Cancer Diagnosis

Typically, a diagnosis of vaginal cancer follows the following steps:

1. Pelvic Examination: A physical assessment where the doctor looks at the vagina, cervix, and surrounding tissue for any visible abnormalities, lumps, or changes in appearance.
2. Colposcopy: Should a pelvic exam reveal something suspicious, a colposcopy test would be performed. A colposcopy gives healthcare providers a good look at the vaginal walls with the help of a colposcope to scan for areas that need testing.
3. Biopsy: A small sample of the suspected area is taken and sent to the lab for examination. This will tell you whether or not you have cancer.

Once the presence of cancer cells is confirmed, your doctor may use the help of additional imaging (MRI, CT, PET) to understand the extent of the vaginal cancer.

Cancer Staging

Treatment Options for Vaginal Cancer

If you or a loved one has received a vaginal cancer diagnosis, things can get overwhelming. However, there are several treatment options to rely on. These treatments mainly depend on the location of the cancer within the vagina and which stage you are currently in. 

• Surgery: Surgery might involve removing the tumour and some surrounding healthy tissue and, in some cases, part or all of the vagina. Reconstructive options can often be discussed as part of the treatment plan, depending on the extent of the surgery.
• Radiation Therapy: Targeted energy is used to destroy cancer cells. It is a common treatment for vaginal cancer, either by itself or in conjunction with surgery. Depending on the location and stage of the tumour, it may be delivered from outside the body or inside the body.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells all over the body. It is often given in conjunction with radiation therapy, especially in more advanced stages, to improve the overall effectiveness of treatment.

Recovery and Follow-up

Time frames of the recovery process are determined by the nature and the level of the treatment received. Most likely, your healthcare provider will establish an appropriate follow-up schedule to monitor the progress of your recovery, detect possible recurrences, and manage side effects of the treatment. Once your doctor has made sure that your recovery is continuous, the follow-up visits will eventually become much less frequent.

It is important to maintain constant communication with your healthcare provider during the recovery process regarding your symptoms, emotional well-being, and any concerns you may have.

Why Choose Apollomedics Lucknow?

We believe in a patient-first approach, offering patients compassionate care along with the following benefits-

• Experienced Multidisciplinary Team: Our gynaecologic specialists work with radiation oncologists, medical oncologists and pathologists to coordinate all aspects of your care.
• Advanced Diagnostic and Treatment Technology: Access to state-of-the-art imaging, minimally invasive surgery options and targeted radiation delivery systems.
• Personalised Care: One size does not fit all. Each treatment plan at Apollo is customised to your specific diagnosis, stage and personal circumstances, with clear communication at each step.

Meet the Specialist

Dr Isha Pai 

Senior Consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Gynaecologic Oncology

She holds vast expertise in dealing with disorders of the female reproductive tract, including Vaginal Cancer. Her multidisciplinary approach allows patients to benefit from coordinated expertise across obstetrics, gynaecology, radiology, pathology, and oncology whenever required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the early signs of vaginal cancer?

Some of the most common early signs are abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, a lump or mass felt in the vagina, pain during intercourse, and changes in the quantity and frequency of urine.

2. Is vaginal cancer linked to cervical cancer or HPV? 

Most vaginal cancers are linked to ongoing infection with high-risk HPV types, the same virus that causes most cervical cancers. Women with a history of cervical cancer are also at increased risk of vaginal cancer.

3. How is vaginal cancer diagnosed? 

A typical diagnosis of vaginal cancer begins with a pelvic examination followed by a colposcopy and a biopsy. Further imaging (MRI, CT, PET) may be performed afterwards to determine how far the disease has spread.

4. What is the survival outlook for vaginal cancer? 

It varies greatly depending on the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed and individual patient factors. Your care team will discuss your specific prognosis in detail based on your diagnosis and treatment plan.

5. Is vaginal cancer treatable without surgery? 

Yes, in some situations. Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, treatment with radiation and chemotherapy (with or without surgery) may be effective.

6. How common is vaginal cancer?

Vaginal cancer is quite rare, especially when compared to breast and cervical cancers. It accounts for 1-2% of all female reproductive tract cancers.

Related Services

Click on the links below to explore the information regarding other gynaecologic cancers-

• Vulvar Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Vaginal Cancer

If you have symptoms you'd like evaluated or would like a specialist opinion on a diagnosis, our gynaecologic oncology team at Apollomedics Lucknow is here to help.