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'''Vaginal cancer''' is a type of [[cancer]] that forms in the tissues of the [[vagina]]. The vagina leads from the [[cervix]] (the opening of the [[uterus]]) to the outside of the body.
'''Vaginal cancer''' is a type of [[cancer]] that forms in the tissues of the [[vagina]]. The vagina leads from the [[cervix]] (the opening of the [[uterus]]) to the outside of the body.


Carcinomas of the vagina are uncommon tumors comprising 1% to 2% of gynecologic malignancies. They can be effectively treated, and when found in early stages, are often curable. The histologic distinction between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma is important because the two types represent distinct diseases, each with a different pathogenesis and natural history. Squamous cell vaginal cancer (approximately 85% of cases) initially spreads superficially within the vaginal wall and later invades the paravaginal tissues and the parametria. Distant metastases occur most commonly in the lungs and liver.  
[[Carcinomas]] of the [[vagina]] are uncommon tumors comprising 1% to 2% of [[gynecologic]] [[malignancies]]. They can be effectively treated, and when found in early stages, are often curable. The [[histologic]] distinction between [[squamous cell carcinoma]] and [[adenocarcinoma]] is important because the two types represent distinct diseases, each with a different pathogenesis and natural history. [[Squamous cell]] [[vaginal cancer]] (approximately 85% of cases) initially spreads superficially within the [[vaginal wall]] and later invades the paravaginal tissues and the [[parametria]]. Distant [[metastases]] occur most commonly in the lungs and liver.  


Adenocarcinoma (approximately 15% of cases) has a peak incidence between 17 and 21 years of age and differs from squamous cell carcinoma by an increase in pulmonary metastases and supraclavicular and pelvic node involvement. Rarely, melanoma and sarcoma are described as primary vaginal cancers. Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive mixed epithelial tumor comprising approximately 1% to 2% of cases.
[[Adenocarcinoma]] (approximately 15% of cases) has a peak incidence between 17 and 21 years of age and differs from [[squamous cell carcinoma]] by an increase in [[pulmonary metastases]] and [[supraclavicular]] and [[pelvic node]] involvement. Rarely, [[melanoma]] and [[sarcoma]] are described as primary [[vaginal cancers]]. [[Adenosquamous carcinoma]] is a rare and aggressive mixed [[epithelial]] [[tumor]] comprising approximately 1% to 2% of cases.


==Types of vaginal cancer==
==Classification==
[[Vaginal cancer]] may be classified according to histopathology into [[squamous cell carcinoma]], [[adenocarcinoma]], and vaginal sarcoma.


Types of vaginal cancer, in order of prevalence, include:
==Pathophysiology==
On gross pathology, an ulcerating or fungating mass , or an annular constricting lesion is characteristic finding of vaginal cancer.


* Vaginal [[squamous cell carcinoma]] arises from the thin, flat [[squamous cell]]s that line the vagina. This is the most common type of vaginal cancer. It is found most often in women aged 60 or older.
==Differential diagnosis==
Vaginal cancer must be differentiated from [[cervical carcinoma]], [[rectal carcinoma]], [[Uterine cancer|uterine carcinoma]], vaginal [[lymphoma]], vaginal [[cyst]], vaginal node of endometriosis, and [[uterine fibroids]].


* Vaginal [[adenocarcinoma]] arises from the glandular (secretory) cells in the lining of the vagina that produce some vaginal fluids. Adenocarcinoma is more likely than squamous cell cancer to spread to the [[lung]]s and [[lymph node]]s. It is found most often in women aged 30 or younger, and has been found in a small percent of women whose mothers in the 1950s used [[diethylstilbestrol]] to prevent threatened abortions.
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
In 2015, the incidence of vaginal cancer is approximately 2-3 per 100,000 individuals with a death number of 910.


* Vaginal [[germ cell tumor]]s (primarily [[teratoma]] and [[endodermal sinus tumor]]) are rare.  They are found most often in infants and children.
==Risk factors==
The risk factors of vaginal cancer may include vaginal adenosis, [[cervical cancer]], [[diethylstilbestrol]], [[human papillomavirus]] infection, [[HIV]] infection, unhealthy lifestyle, and age.


* [[Sarcoma botryoides]], a [[rhabdomyosarcoma]] also is found most often in infants and children.
==Prognosis==
Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis of vaginal cancer may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good.
 
==History and Symptoms==
Common symptoms of vaginal cancer include [[vaginal bleeding]], abnormal vaginal discharge, [[mass]], and [[pain]] during intercourse.
 
==Staging==
Vaginal cancer may be classified into 4 subtypes based on FIGO or AJCC staging system.
 
==Pelvic MRI==
Pelvic MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of vaginal cancer.
 
==Other Diagnostic Studies==
[[Cystoscopy]], [[ureteroscopy]], [[proctoscopy]], lymphangiogram, and [[cone biopsy]] may be helpful to detect the spread of vaginal cancer.
 
==Medical therapy==
Medical therapies of vaginal cancer include surgery, [[radiation]], and [[chemotherapy]]. The optimal therapy depends on the stage at diagnosis.


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


[[Category:Needs content]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]
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[[Category:Gynecology]]

Latest revision as of 03:52, 7 February 2019

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Syed Musadiq Ali M.B.B.S.[2]

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Overview

Vaginal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the tissues of the vagina. The vagina leads from the cervix (the opening of the uterus) to the outside of the body.

Carcinomas of the vagina are uncommon tumors comprising 1% to 2% of gynecologic malignancies. They can be effectively treated, and when found in early stages, are often curable. The histologic distinction between squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma is important because the two types represent distinct diseases, each with a different pathogenesis and natural history. Squamous cell vaginal cancer (approximately 85% of cases) initially spreads superficially within the vaginal wall and later invades the paravaginal tissues and the parametria. Distant metastases occur most commonly in the lungs and liver.

Adenocarcinoma (approximately 15% of cases) has a peak incidence between 17 and 21 years of age and differs from squamous cell carcinoma by an increase in pulmonary metastases and supraclavicular and pelvic node involvement. Rarely, melanoma and sarcoma are described as primary vaginal cancers. Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare and aggressive mixed epithelial tumor comprising approximately 1% to 2% of cases.

Classification

Vaginal cancer may be classified according to histopathology into squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, and vaginal sarcoma.

Pathophysiology

On gross pathology, an ulcerating or fungating mass , or an annular constricting lesion is characteristic finding of vaginal cancer.

Differential diagnosis

Vaginal cancer must be differentiated from cervical carcinoma, rectal carcinoma, uterine carcinoma, vaginal lymphoma, vaginal cyst, vaginal node of endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.

Epidemiology and Demographics

In 2015, the incidence of vaginal cancer is approximately 2-3 per 100,000 individuals with a death number of 910.

Risk factors

The risk factors of vaginal cancer may include vaginal adenosis, cervical cancer, diethylstilbestrol, human papillomavirus infection, HIV infection, unhealthy lifestyle, and age.

Prognosis

Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis of vaginal cancer may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good.

History and Symptoms

Common symptoms of vaginal cancer include vaginal bleeding, abnormal vaginal discharge, mass, and pain during intercourse.

Staging

Vaginal cancer may be classified into 4 subtypes based on FIGO or AJCC staging system.

Pelvic MRI

Pelvic MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of vaginal cancer.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, proctoscopy, lymphangiogram, and cone biopsy may be helpful to detect the spread of vaginal cancer.

Medical therapy

Medical therapies of vaginal cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The optimal therapy depends on the stage at diagnosis.

References